This is who we are.
We are a Christian faith-based non-profit established in 2016 in Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique. We work with vulnerable, exploited and displaced women. Our vision is to make disciples throughout in Northern Mozambique through sustainable initiatives lead by nationals, empowering women with true identity and freedom! Below is an overview of the first five years in Pemba.
In May 2021 the move was made to relocate our organisation from Pemba to Nacala City in Northern Mozambique due to the ongoing and increasing conflict in the Cabo Delgado Province. We are nearly finished re-establishing and about to officially open our doors in early 2024 in Nacala! For regular updates follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
To partner with us as we finish our Nacala Women’s Centre and Artisan Workshop to continue to empower vulnerable women click here!
The numbers are heartbreaking
Mozambique is one of the most naturally beautiful spots on earth. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters and the contrast of red dirt village vibes are an instagrammers dream and usually described with one word: paradise. But behind the beauty lies a country and a culture massively struggling with issues related to sex, gender, exploitation and inequality.
The numbers are overwhelming, BUT we are here to make a difference!
95%
OF WOMEN HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED
The fact that very few women grow up without encountering some form of sexual abuse shows the scale of the problem and the effect it has on not only the women of Mozambique, but the entire population.
We can change this number for the better!
48%
OF WOMEN ARE MARRIED BEFORE 18 YEARS OLD
In Northern Mozambique specifically nearly half of the female population is married before 18 years of age. This statistic is 8th highest in the world! Child marriage is proven to lead to extremely high numbers of physical and sexual abuse, HIV/Aids, birth rate mortality, and PTSD. We believe each girl is entitled to having the chance to choose; and not be forced into underage marriage for economical gain or because of cultural pressure. Education and establishing identity and worth are key to lowering this statistic.
70%
OF N.MZ WOMEN HAVE PTSD
Beyond the physical effects of sexual exploitation and abuse the traumatic mental and emotional scars are harder so see and even more crippling. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder affects nearly 3 in every 4 women in Northern Mozambique, this is typically common within soldiers who have been at war; a result of what they suffer from on the battlefield. This puts things into perspective, life is a battlefield for women in Northern Mozambique. It is vital that trauma counseling be offered to women suffering from PTSD, so that the process of healing can begin and freedom can be gained! (Learn more about PTSD click here)
Our response to the numbers
We are the first Christian faith-based organisation in Northern Mozambique with a specific focus of working with women affected by sexual exploitation, abuse and cultural oppression.
ACTION
We confront these issues through four key areas: discipleship, basic education and skills training and social enterprise. We empower each woman, working side by side with her in relationship to bring true identity and freedom bringing transformation to families and communities.
PREVENTION
We believe prevention is vital in equipping women and young girls for safe and bright futures free from exploitation. We also work in our communities raising awareness and educating on topics such as: human rights and health. This educates and empowers women to make informed choices and look out for others in their local communities.
Are you ready to help change lives?
Team Liberty
Laura Monahan
Laura Monahan
FOUNDER & Director
Laura comes from New Zealand and has a background in Commercial Radio Broadcasting and Account Management within The New Zealand Radio Network (NZME) and Media Works; as well as experience in the marketing, communications and event management fields in both commercial and non-profit settings from positions within DDB and LIFE New Zealand. Laura currently brings an on-the-field perspective having been a missionary in various locations in Africa since 2015.
Laura is the Founder of The Liberty Project and resides in Northern Mozambique, she is committed to seeing this organisation grow in line with the vision that God has given to become a ground breaker and leader in Africa facilitating the freedom of girls and women from backgrounds of oppression, abuse and sexual exploitation.
Imma Douglas
Imma Douglas
Artisan & Hospitality Facilitator
Born in Cabo Delgado Northern Mozambique Imma has been with the Liberty Project since 2019. Graduating our Freedom Program and Hospitality Training Program, Ima is our resident barista, baker and disciple maker! She is also skilled in the areas of weaving, sewing, jewellery making and creative skills. Imma co-leads classes in both our Hospitality Training and Artisan Training Programs.
Global Board of Directors
The Liberty Project wouldn’t exist without the support of our Global Board members.
LAURA MONAHAN - Founder
SARAH BENCIC - Board Chair
MONIQUE TAYLOR
RUSSELL BALLANTYNE
ERICA RAMOS SNYDER
National Association Members
LAURA MONAHAN - Founding member
TED HOLMES - National Counsel
JONAS RAMOS- Founding Member
ERICA RAMOS - Founding Member
MILAGRE QUIVAS - National Counsel
BERTINA BULAIMO- National Counsel
FATIMA MARENGEPO - National Counsel
Our Partners
CONRAD PROPERTIES GROUP – Classroom Project Partner
SLASH VENTURES DUBAI, USA - 2018 Branding
COULD YOU? - Women’s Menstrual Cup Education and Distribution
LIVING WORD INTERNATIONAL CHURCH - Washington DC, USA
MERCY HILL CHURCH - Ohio. USA
NEW DAY CHURCH, Auckland, New Zealand
Ready to join the movement?
Please change actively building self esteem and power in young women to...
... actively build self-esteem and empowers young women!