Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET).

The Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET) was founded in June 2003 in Accra, Ghana, during peace talks on the conflict in Liberia. At that time Liberia faced a grim future as the various warring factions adopted belligerent positions that threatened further fighting. The Liberian refugee women in the Buduburam camp, near Accra, having suffering the consequences and traumas of war, decided to come together and put pressure on the delegates and warlords. They staging daily sit-ins at the conference centre where the negotiations were being held, demanding a ceasefire and an end to the war. Through these actions, a strong emotional sisterly bond was formed, as well as a commitment to national and women’s interests. WOLPNET was created to carry on their work.

The founding goal of WOLPNET was the aim of eliminating violence in Liberia, and in particular violence against women/girls. WOLPNET seeks peaceful co-existence despite ethnic, political and socio-economic differences, to increase women and children’s economic, and political empowerment, and to promote women’s rights.

WOLPNET is in engaged in advocacy, peacebuilding, peace and civic education, vocational/skills training, and economic development through micro credit schemes and the formation of cooperatives.

WOLPNET is an active member of the national SGBV Task Force chaired by the Deputy Minister of Gender. The Task Force has developed a National Plan of Action on SGBV launched by the President of Liberia in December 2006 and is currently working on reporting, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and tools.