MONROVIA, Liberia – June 2026 – Medica Liberia has concluded a landmark week-long event marked by the induction of new members into its Trainer Pool and the official launch of its revised Stress- and Trauma-Sensitive Approach (STA) Manual for Women’s Empowerment, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across Liberia.
The activities, held from May 30 to June 6, 2026, brought together partners, frontline practitioners, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the country to celebrate achievements in trauma- sensitive programming and strengthen efforts aimed at empowering women and girls affected by violence.
Speaking during the ceremony, medica Liberia Country Director Cllr. Yah V. Parwon described the occasion as both a reflection on years of progress and a vision for the future.
Nearly two decades of learning, survivor-centred practice, and feminist solidarity came together this week in a ceremony that marked both a homecoming and a bold step forward, Parwon said.
The event opened with an intensive refresher training for incoming Trainer Pool members, designed to strengthen facilitation skills, deepen understanding of trauma, and enhance practical approaches to supporting survivors.
Organizers emphasized that the training represented more than a professional exercise, describing it as a renewed commitment to the responsibility of caring for women and girls who have experienced violence.
Among the newly inducted Trainer Pool members were representatives from partner organizations, including the Association for the Development of Women and Girls in Africa (ADWANGA) and the Rising Youth Mentorship Initiative (RYMI).
ADWANGA Executive Director Amelia M. Cooper highlighted the significance of the training for vulnerable young people served by her organization.
This induction is not just a milestone for our organization; it is a milestone for the young people we serve. Having our staff equipped with trauma-sensitive tools means that every young person who walks through our doors will be met with greater care, deeper understanding, and more effective support. We are proud to stand with medica Liberia in this work, Cooper stated.
A major highlight of the week was the launch of the revised STA Manual, developed in collaboration with medica mondiale e.V. and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The updated manual reflects nearly 20 years of experience and lessons learned in addressing trauma, promoting healing, and advancing justice for survivors of violence.
According to medica Liberia, the revised manual serves as a practical guide rooted in survivor-centred and feminist approaches, documenting effective strategies for supporting women and girls whose lives have been impacted by violence.
As the organization approaches its 20th anniversary as a country office, officials described the manual as one of medica Liberia’s most significant institutional contributions and a testament to locally driven, survivor-focused programming.
The induction ceremony served as the emotional centerpiece of the week activities. During the event, newly inducted Trainer Pool members signed a Memorandum of Understanding and formally received copies of the revised STA Manual in a symbolic handover attended by representatives of medica Liberia, partner organizations, and leadership from medica mondiale.
Addressing the new inductees, medica Liberia emphasized the importance of their role in sustaining trauma-sensitive support systems across the country.
You are joining a Pool that carries history, responsibility, and trust. We encourage you to use this knowledge to train others, strengthen services, and continue supporting women and girls with dignity, care, and professionalism, the organization stated.
The Trainer Pool was established as a long-term mechanism for preserving and expanding trauma- sensitive expertise in Liberia. Through the initiative, medica Liberia seeks to ensure that knowledge and skills remain locally owned and are continuously transferred to communities, institutions, and future generations of practitioners.
Special recognition was also given to Madam Elizabeth Green and Madam Florida Clarke for their longstanding contributions to the development and growth of the Trainer Pool. Existing members were likewise commended for their continued dedication and service.
The organization further expressed appreciation to medica mondiale e.V. for its nearly two decades of partnership, technical support, and commitment to localization and capacity strengthening in Liberia. medica Liberia noted that the continued collaboration has played a vital role in building sustainable systems of care and support for survivors throughout the country.
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