Liberian acts tackle rape in song

12 Nov 2018 - 14:23

Rape or sexual abuse is not a common topic among Liberian artists, but Mz Menneh and Tito Gee are using their new songs to speak out against the immoral and illegal act.

Mz Menneh has recorded a song against rape.

Tito Gee’s song, 'Breaking Silence' and Mz Menneh’s 'Stop Rape' tackle a number of controversial issues, including rape and child molestation as well as the harmful impact on those who are being victimized.

“We want to use our music to make a difference,” Mz Menneh and Tito Gee told Liberia's Daily Observer. “Protecting women from sexual abuse is an issue close to our hearts. Our songs are meant to stir debate on how society can get rid of its rape culture and better protect women.

“The best way we can end or even minimize rape or any sexual abuse against women is through a national dialogue, where people will get to know the danger of such thing.”.

Rape remains one of the most frequently reported crimes in Liberia, according to Liberia’s Ministry of Gender and Development, and the incidence of sexual violence against women in Liberia is among the highest in the world.

In a 2016 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) report, United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) reported that the number of reported cases of rape is extremely high and that perpetrators are rarely held accountable. Only two percent of all SGBV cases reported to GBV response actors (health facilities, NGOs and LNP/WACPS) resulted in a conviction.

The report further said prison data received by UNMIL in June 2016, show that courts convicted 34 individuals for rape in all of Liberia in 2015, out of over 803 reported cases that year.

Rape is the second most commonly reported serious crime in Liberia. In 2014, according to statistics provided by MOGCSP, 708 cases of rape, including gang rape, were reported to law enforcement officials, health care providers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); in 2015, this number rose to 803.

“Rape is a serious issue that needs everyone to get involved and that is why we are trying to create that awareness through songs," the artists said. "Music is a powerful tool to create awareness about rape or sexual abuse; it is because music cut across all boundary and inspire people to take action."