The project will strengthen independent media and freedom of information in Liberia. Primarily, it will improve the environment for press freedom, journalistic safety, and self-regulation through favorable policies and practices; and enhanced journalists’ and CSO’s awareness and networking. It will also foster active citizen demand for transparency of the media and of government activity while bolstering CSOs, media, and government collaborations in accessing and using public data.
In practice, the project will facilitate the establishment of a national journalist peer support network, and train journalists, and bloggers in legal know-how, and personal safety. It will sensitize civil society, and communities about the statutory provisions of Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, and the 2010 Freedom of Information Act. It targets 70% of women journalists and media organizations across Liberia and will partner with the Department of Media and Communication of the University of Liberia and the Press Union of Liberia. Each partner will be supported to provide specialized services.
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Expected Outcome and Impact
When implemented, the project will address most Liberians’ needs, especially youth, women, and other vulnerable groups with pessimistic government views: even though the Government does not explicitly marginalize a particularly vulnerable group in Liberia, the recent conflict has weakened trust and social cohesion and resulted in low associational activity levels. It has also led to a lingering fear of authority and a deep desire for peace and social harmony.