Young rape survivor Olivia Zinnah of Liberia was buried 22 December 2021 after suffering years of pain and surgeries following a rape when she was only 7 years old.

Liberian Minister of Gender and Development Julia Duncan Cassell has tried to draw attention to both her death and the issue of rape and gender violence in the country, but her success has been limited. She spoke out against impunity and the silence that continues to surround cases of rape and gender violence in Liberia.

According to the Liberian Ministry of Gender and Development, Olivia was the fourth girl to die of rape-related injuries in 2012. The ministry covered the costs of her funeral.

Olivia Zinnah is the subject of an upcoming documentary entitled “Small Small Thing” to be released this spring. In an article published by Front Page Africa only a few days ago, the producers expressed hope that the documentary will raise awareness about rape and gender violence and also put pressure on the government to find and prosecute the perpetrator.

Check out the trailer for Small Small Thing here.

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Nothing but silence on child rape in Liberia, but minister attempts change, Global Post, 27 December 2012.

‘Brave Beyond Years’: Film Chronicling Liberian Rape Victim Due in Spring, Front Page Africa, 14 January 2013.