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WELCOME
At the Disabled Children and Female Empowerment Network, we envision a Liberia where every woman and child, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and resources that allow them to thrive.
We are committed to ensuring that the people we serve can live fulfilling, dignified lives. Our work focuses on empowering women and children with disabilities in Liberia, breaking down barriers, and creating pathways toward inclusion and equality.
Whether you are a parent, family member, advocate, or someone who simply believes in making a positive difference, we invite you to stand with us. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable Liberia for all.
ACTIVITIES
Participation in
Leadership & Politics
Women’s representation in public and political space in Liberia remains low. Though there are 9 females and 64 males in the House of Representatives, two females and 27 males in the House of Senate of the two-tier national legislature women with disabilities are not represented.
Although women's political participation rates are low overall, women with disabilities are even more underrepresented due to discriminatory norms and attitudes based on gender and disability. This makes people consider them incapable of taking on responsibility due to stereotypical characteristics attributed to women with disabilities.
Women’s equal and meaningful participation in decision-making is necessary for women’s human rights to be respected and their interests to shape public decisions.
Economic Empowerment
Women with disabilities in Liberia face unique challenges when it comes to economic empowerment. However, with the right support and resources, women with disabilities can overcome these obstacles and achieve financial independence. By 2028, DCFENETWORK aimed to provide women with disabilities the tools they need to succeed in the Liberia workforce.
Gender-based Violence & Peacebuilding
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue in Liberia, with women and girls being the primary victims. The country has a history of civil war and political instability, which has contributed to the normalization of violence against women. Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to GBV, as they face multiple forms of discrimination and are often excluded from decision-making processes. Despite this, DCFENETWORK continues to advocate for disability rights and inclusion in peacebuilding initiatives, and gender-sensitive policies and programs.
Efforts to address GBV and promote women's participation in peacebuilding have been made in Liberia. However, more needs to be done to ensure that women with disabilities are included in these efforts. This requires addressing the structural barriers that prevent their participation, such as lack of accessibility and negative attitudes towards disability, recognizing the intersectional nature of their experiences, and ensuring that their specific needs and perspectives are considered in peacebuilding initiatives to “leave no one behind”.
The Disabled Children and Female Empowerment Network, established in 2018, is a youth-led women’s rights NGO dedicated to advancing the rights and empowerment of women and children with disabilities in Liberia.
Our work focuses on increasing access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), economic empowerment, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, disability inclusion, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). We also promote active participation of women and youth with disabilities in peacebuilding, leadership, and political decision-making processes.
DCFENETWORK is a coalition of 10 member organizations and, to date, has reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries across eight counties in Liberia.
Vision:
An equal and inclusive society where every young woman and child with disabilities lives free from violence and discrimination and fully enjoys their rights, voice, and participation in all spheres of life.
Mission:
To promote and protect the rights of young women and children with disabilities by ensuring their access to inclusive education, health services, economic empowerment, and meaningful participation in peacebuilding, leadership, and political decision-making processes.
Commitment:
DCFENETWORK shares a mutual commitment with other local and international institutions to advancing human rights, promoting gender equality, and ensuring that no women are left behind, especially war-affected and women with disabilities.
Donors
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any inquiries, questions or commendations, please call: 231-881-298-912 or fill out the following form
Head Office
Block-B, L Reeves Avenue,
SD Cooper Road, Paynesville
1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia
The DCFENETWORK will not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, or harm against people, especially women and children in marginalized and vulnerable situations.
If you have concerns about inappropriate behavior by DCFENETWORK staff or officials, fraud, etc., please contact: dcf.protectwomen2018@gmail.com
