Building Self-Esteem and Resilience in the Face of Adversity: An Empirical Study on Educational Challenges and Gender-Based Violence among Women and Girls in Liberia

In Liberia, women and girls face significant challenges in accessing education, compounded by pervasive gender-based violence (GBV). Studies have delved into the impacts of gender-based violence on the educational attainment of women and girls, yet there are still challenges which women and girls still face. This paper purposely investigated the multifaceted challenges impeding educational access for women and girls in Liberia, focusing on the impact of GBV and its detrimental effects on self-esteem and resilience. The objectives of the study were: i) Identify and analyze barriers to education, including cultural perceptions and socioeconomic factors; ii) Assess the impact of gender-based violence on educational outcomes by investigating how various forms of gender-based violence within educational settings affect the self-esteem, resilience, and academic participation of women and girls in Liberia; and iii) Evaluate the influence and effectiveness of interventions through thorough analysis of existing legal frameworks, educational reforms, and empowerment programs. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select 58 participants, of which 51.72% were female, and 48.28% were male. The study findings showed that financial constraints, as well as early marriage and teenage pregnancy, were significant barriers to women and girls accessing education in Liberia. The study further revealed that gender-based violence, including sexual coercion and harassment within educational settings, negatively impacts the self-esteem and resilience of women and girls in Liberia. The study concludes that while notable advancements have been made in promoting girls’ education and addressing GBV in Liberia, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are required to close the existing gaps and ensure equal opportunities for women and girls.