The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter, have raised their voices in consternation and anger against the increasing wave of rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls in Liberia. “These shameful and senseless acts of aggression against this important cohort of our society presents a clear threat and present danger to peace, stability, and to the attainment of the full potential of women and girls,” an Alpha Phi Alpha press statement, dated March 7, 2022, said.
According to the statement, “It appears like the perpetrators of these heinous crimes lack even a modicum of personal conscience or concerns for the welfare of greater society. The targeting of women and defenseless little girls must be uprooted from our society with immediacy.
“The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter, categorically condemn these senseless acts against women and girls and we condemn any person who would, in any way, seek to provide refuge to those who perpetrate these crimes. Our message is clear and unequivocal: these crimes against women and girls must immediately cease.
“In pursuing the full potential of women and girls in our society, we want to thank the government for the amendment of the New Penal Code of June 1976 Chapter 14, section 14.70, 14.71 of the Rape Law, bringing into for the new rape law of 2006; and passing into law of the Domestic Violence Act in 2019. We believe this is an important first step in the right direction and in raising awareness about rape and sexual assault while also giving amplified voice to the concerns of survivors and families across this country. We however encourage GOL to build further on this initial gain to ensure speedy prosecution and penalties for perpetrators of these crimes and strengthen care and support for survivors.
“For over a century, Alpha Phi Alpha has always stood at the forefront of the fight for human rights and justice. Today we are re-committing to this noble goal, and we emphatically state that Liberia can count on Alpha to play its role to ultimately eradicate this harmful and deeply senseless cancer from the fabric of our society. We stand ready to shoulder up with all those who are committed to protect women, protect our national character and safeguard our future stability.
“Enough is enough! The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated will no longer sit by supinely while our nation is torn apart through the assaults being directed against our mothers, sisters and daughters. As an expression of our solidarity with survivors and with all women of our great country, the Men of Alpha Phi Alpha will very shortly hold a mass rally and march, and we are not marching alone! We will march arm in arm with other men moved by conscience and anger in order to send a powerful message to all. Rape and violence against women have no place in our society and we commit to using all of our strength and resources to fight this ugliness, which threatens who we are as a people. Date for the rally and march, along with additional hands-on actions to be undertaken will be announced to the public in the next weeks.”