MONROVIA — The Government of Liberia has launched its Third National Action Plan (NAP III) on Women, Peace and Security for 2026–2031, with Gender, Children and  Social Protection Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie challenging government institutions, development partners and civil society organizations to move beyond policy commitments and ensure that the plan delivers tangible results for women and girls across the country.

By Patience M. Jones

Speaking Friday at the Belle Casa Hotel Conference Hall in Monrovia during the official launch of the five-year national framework, Minister Kollie warned against treating the document as another government policy that would be celebrated at its launch and subsequently abandoned without meaningful implementation.

She emphasized that the success of the Third National Action Plan would depend on political commitment, adequate resources, effective coordination and the active participation of women, particularly those in rural communities.

The launch, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with UN Women and development partners, brought together government officials, diplomats, civil society organizations, women’s peacebuilding groups, youth representatives and members of the media.

The event also coincided with activities commemorating the 26th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the importance of women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

Addressing participants, Minister Kollie expressed confidence that Liberia’s new action plan would receive stronger government support, particularly following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s expressed commitment to the initiative ahead of its international launch in New York.

According to her, the President had demonstrated overwhelming commitment to the plan, raising expectations that its priorities would be integrated into the government’s national development processes rather than remain on paper.

“I’m confident that the government does not see this as another paper that we’ve developed and are going to put down. It’s going to be integrated into our development processes in a more intentional way,” Minister Kollie said.

She disclosed that discussions surrounding the plan’s implementation had extended to government budget considerations, expressing appreciation to officials of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for their commitment during budget discussions.

The Gender, Children and Social Protection  Minister specifically acknowledged the support of government officials who, according to her, demonstrated an understanding of the importance of financing the plan.

She stressed that the resources and commitments required to implement NAP III must translate into practical interventions that improve women’s participation and strengthen peace and security throughout Liberia.

Minister Warns Against Poor Coordination and Weak Implementation

While acknowledging the political commitment surrounding NAP III, Minister Kollie identified coordination among implementing institutions as a major factor that could determine whether the plan succeeds or fails.

She cautioned that overlapping responsibilities, weak collaboration and the failure of institutions to recognize their shared objectives could undermine the implementation process.

According to her, all institutions and organizations involved must understand their respective responsibilities and work collectively toward achieving the objectives outlined in the national framework.

“Sometimes we overlap. Sometimes, for some reasons, we forget the common goal. But I want to encourage all of us, because we are all actors in the room, let’s make sure that the role we are to play is played in a more responsible way,” she stated.

She further called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection as the lead government institution, to ensure that all relevant actors are engaged throughout the implementation process.

Minister Kollie also emphasized the need to develop a clear first-year implementation programme to establish immediate priorities, guide institutional responsibilities and provide a practical roadmap for achieving the plan’s objectives.

She argued that launching the document without clearly identifying the activities to be implemented, the institutions responsible and the expected results could weaken the entire process.

The Minister maintained that implementation must be deliberate and inclusive, warning that poor execution would ultimately prevent the government and its partners from achieving the intended outcomes.

Rural Women Must Not Be Left Behind

Beyond government institutions and national-level commitments, Minister Kollie placed particular emphasis on ensuring that NAP III reaches women at the grassroots level.

She warned against limiting the implementation of the plan to ministries, diplomatic institutions and national-level stakeholders while excluding rural women, cross-border women and community-based structures that are equally important to peacebuilding.

According to her, the plan must reach women across Liberia’s 15 counties, including those whose contributions to peace and community development are often overlooked.

She stressed that women in rural communities must be informed about the plan, understand its provisions and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives.

“This plan should not be something like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and it ends there,” she emphasized.

The Minister further challenged the technical team and implementing partners to ensure that women at the community level are not excluded from the process or informed about activities only after decisions have already been made.

She called for greater transparency, timely communication and inclusive consultations, particularly when institutions are preparing to undertake activities in communities.

Minister Kollie noted that Liberia’s international recognition for its contributions to the Women, Peace and Security agenda must be reflected in the actual experiences of women within the country.

She observed that while other nations increasingly look to Liberia as an example because of its peacebuilding experience and leadership, the government must ensure that the realities confronting women at home reflect the country’s international reputation.

The Minister also commended Liberian women for their longstanding contributions to peacebuilding and acknowledged the work of consultant Goma and the technical team involved in developing the action plan.

She praised their dedication, expertise and commitment, recognizing the considerable effort required to bring the document to completion.

UN Women Says Success Depends on Implementation

Meanwhile, UN Women Deputy Country Representative Yemi Falayajo described the launch of NAP III as both a significant national achievement and an opportunity to renew Liberia’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and participation in peace and security.

Speaking following the official launch, Falayajo commended the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, for its leadership in developing the national framework.

She acknowledged Minister Kollie and her team for demonstrating commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, adding that UN Women had supported the process from its early stages.

According to Falayajo, the launch represents an important milestone in Liberia’s contribution to the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly as the country commemorates 26 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

She noted that Liberian women have consistently demonstrated courage, leadership and perseverance in promoting peace, emphasizing that women should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of peace initiatives but as essential partners in building and sustaining peace.

“Liberian women have demonstrated, through courage, leadership and perseverance, that women are not only beneficiaries of peace, but indispensable partners in building and sustaining it,” Falayajo said.

However, she cautioned that the true value of the new action plan would not be determined by the ceremony or the document itself but by the changes it produces in the lives of women and girls.

She identified meaningful participation in decision-making, opportunities for young women to assume leadership positions, sustained support for women peacebuilders and improved peace and security in communities across all 15 counties as important measures of success.

Falayajo also stressed the importance of making the plan accessible and understandable to ordinary Liberians, noting that its provisions must be localized and communicated so communities can understand their roles and contributions.

She welcomed the emphasis on national ownership and shared responsibility, explaining that government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, the United Nations, women and young people all have important roles to play in translating the plan’s commitments into practical outcomes.

Development Partners Pledge Continued Support

Falayajo reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to working alongside the Government of Liberia, women’s organizations, civil society groups and development partners to support the implementation of NAP III.

She also recognized the contributions of international partners, including the governments of Ireland and Sweden, the European Union and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), for their financial and institutional support toward advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Liberia.

She praised the partners for not only providing financial assistance but also actively participating in discussions and contributing to the process.

The UN Women Deputy Country Representative further acknowledged the technical team and individuals whose efforts contributed to the development and successful launch of the action plan.

She called on all stakeholders to maintain the momentum generated by the launch and move from commitments to measurable results.

Falayajo said Liberia should aim to demonstrate practical progress before the next United Nations General Assembly, so that the country can present not only its policy framework but also evidence of successful implementation to other nations.

She urged stakeholders to ensure that NAP III becomes a living document that guides national action rather than a policy framework that remains largely on paper.

From International Recognition to National Results

Liberia’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, covering 2026–2031, is expected to provide a framework for strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, decision-making, conflict prevention and security processes over the next five years.

Its launch comes at a time when Liberia continues to position itself as an important voice in the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, drawing on the country’s history of women’s involvement in peacebuilding and its experience in post-conflict recovery.

However, the messages delivered by both Minister Kollie and UN Women underscored a common challenge: translating Liberia’s international reputation and policy commitments into meaningful improvements in the lives of women and girls.

For the plan to achieve its objectives, stakeholders will need to demonstrate accountability, ensure adequate financing, strengthen coordination and create opportunities for women, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, to participate in decisions affecting their security and development.

With the official launch now completed, attention is expected to shift toward the development of an implementation programme that will outline immediate priorities and guide the responsibilities of institutions involved.

The challenge, as highlighted by the Gender, Children and Social Protection  Minister, is to ensure that NAP III does not become another policy document celebrated at a launch ceremony but one that produces measurable results for women across Liberia.

MONROVIA, Liberia — The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Liberia’s human resource and institutional capacity, announcing 140 fully funded training opportunities for Liberian professionals under its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme for the 2026–27 financial year.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafrica.com

The announcement was made during the celebration of ITEC Day in Monrovia on October 28, 2026, where Indian Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, disclosed that approximately 600 Liberian professionals have benefited from the programme over the years.

The event brought together senior Liberian government officials, ITEC and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) alumni, representatives of partner institutions, and other distinguished guests to celebrate more than six decades of India’s international capacity-building initiative.

Ambassador Verma explained that Liberia’s demand for the programme has continued to grow, noting that the country’s initial allocation of 70 training slots for the 2025–26 financial year was fully utilized within the first six months.

According to him, the strong demand prompted the Indian Government to provide an additional 86 slots, bringing Liberia’s total utilization to 156 training opportunities during the period.

For the current 2026–27 financial year, Liberia has been allocated another 140 training slots, with participation already progressing well.

The ITEC Programme, established by the Government of India in 1964, is marking its 62nd anniversary in 2026. It provides fully funded professional training opportunities to participants from partner countries across various fields, allowing them to acquire new skills and benefit from India’s institutional expertise and development experience.

“ITEC is an important pillar of India’s foreign policy and a flagship initiative of our development partnership,” Ambassador Verma noted.

He disclosed that the programme currently offers nearly 10,000 fully funded training opportunities annually and has benefited more than 225,000 professionals from over 160 countries.

The Ambassador emphasized that the initiative is built on mutual learning and cooperation, explaining that participants from partner countries also contribute their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to Indian institutions during their training.

India Extends Support Beyond Professional Training

Beyond professional capacity-building, the Indian Government is also supporting Liberian students through scholarship opportunities, including the ICCR India-Africa Friendship Scholarship Scheme.

Ambassador Verma disclosed that 24 Liberian students have been awarded ICCR scholarships this year, including 20 scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies at prestigious Indian institutions, among them the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

He also highlighted recent specialized training programmes provided to Liberian professionals, including occupational health and safety training for mining officers and nursing leadership and management programmes for nurses.

Other beneficiaries have included personnel from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia Revenue Authority, Monrovia City Corporation, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and various government ministries.

Ambassador Verma encouraged former participants to maintain their relationships with India, their fellow trainees, and the institutions where they received professional training.

He described ITEC alumni as ambassadors of goodwill and living bridges of friendship between India and Liberia, stressing that their professional contributions and personal relationships remain important to strengthening bilateral relations.

Liberia Calls for Alumni to Apply Skills at Home

Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, who served as Chief Guest, underscored the importance of South-South Cooperation and commended the Government of India for its sustained investment in Liberia’s human resource development.

He said India’s capacity-building initiatives provide an important opportunity for Liberian professionals to acquire knowledge and skills that can contribute to national development.

The Deputy Minister challenged ITEC alumni to translate the knowledge and professional experiences gained in India into practical contributions within their respective institutions and communities.

He also proposed documenting the achievements of Liberian ITEC alumni, including their current professional positions and how they are applying the skills acquired through the programme.

According to him, documenting these achievements would help demonstrate the programme’s impact on Liberia’s institutional development while highlighting the contributions of beneficiaries to national progress.

He further described alumni as an important link between the two countries, noting that their professional contributions can strengthen the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Liberia and India.

Deputy Minister Armah concluded by expressing appreciation to the Government of India for its continued partnership and commitment to strengthening Liberia’s human resource and institutional capacity.

Alumni Highlight Benefits of India Training

Representatives of partner institutions, including the Liberia National Fire Service, Monrovia City Corporation, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau, also addressed the gathering.

Selected ITEC alumni shared their experiences of training in India, highlighting the professional knowledge they acquired, their exposure to Indian institutions and practices, and the relationships developed during their respective programmes.

Acting President of the ITEC Alumni Association in Liberia, Alaskai Johnson, also emphasized the importance of maintaining an active alumni network to strengthen professional relationships and sustain engagement among former participants.

He noted that the association provides an important platform for preserving the connections established through the programme and promoting continued cooperation between Liberia and India.

The celebration highlighted the growing role of India’s development partnership in supporting Liberia’s professional workforce through specialized training, higher education scholarships, and institutional cooperation.

With 140 training opportunities available for the 2026–27 financial year, the programme continues to offer Liberian professionals and public-sector institutions an avenue to strengthen their technical knowledge, professional skills, and contributions to national development.

Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah challenged Gonet Academy on Saturday to grow from a private training center into part of Liberia’s national development structure, and offered her ministry’s help in tracking graduates from training into work.

By Patience M. Jones patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com 

Minister Kruah was keynote speaker at the Academy’s 15th graduation ceremony on October 31, 2026, at the Harvest Intercontinental Cathedral, where 909 students received certificates and diplomas.

Gonet Academy opened in February 2021, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, when most institutions were closing their doors. It has since produced more than 5,000 alumni, enough, the minister joked, to form a staff several times larger than her own ministry’s.

The school offers more than 20 courses, from ten-week certificates to six-month comprehensive programs, in procurement, project management, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, logistics and supply chain, data analysis and marketing.

Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer Mohammed Kerkulah said the 909 figure counts individual graduates, and that some completed two or more courses. Counting every course, he said, total certifications exceed 940.

Of the graduates, 208 completed the six-month Comprehensive Professional Programme and 47 the Professional Diploma Programme. The Foundation Certificate Programme produced the largest number. Women made up 530 graduates, or 58.3 percent of the class, and men 379, or 41.7 percent.

Mr. Kerkulah said the Academy’s reach extends beyond Monrovia, noting that some online students from other parts of Liberia were visiting its office for the first time for the ceremony. He also said surpluses from each cohort have been reinvested in the institution rather than used for personal gain. “We are not driven by greed,” he said.

The minister’s address centered on what she called the cost of leaving youth potential to chance. Liberia has about 5.5 million people, roughly three in four of them young, and a median age of about 19. By her arithmetic, one in every 4,400 young Liberians was graduating in the hall that morning, about 0.02 percent of the country’s youth.

“For every year we delay, we pay twice,” she said: once in talent that leaves or sits idle, and again in skills the country imports to do work its own young people could do.

After taking office, she said, she traveled to all 15 counties, meeting young people in town halls and on football fields. She found youth who were “sharp, curious and restless to build something,” but few structures to find them early, develop them and carry them into work or enterprise. Borrowing the physics term entropy, she said that energy is not lost but scattered.

“Some of it leaves the country. Some of it turns into frustration. Most of it is left to luck,” she said, “and no nation should plan its future on luck.”

Minister Kruah opened with humor, joking that Procurement graduates would want to know whether her keynote had gone through competitive bidding. “It did not. It was sole-sourced. I accepted anyway,” she said.

She then pushed back on the idea that the fields the graduates studied are “soft.” “I call them plumbing,” she said. “Nobody admires the pipes, but try running a house without them.” Every mining concession, government road, partner investment and growing business, she argued, depends on such skills. “A country can sign a hundred agreements,” she said. “Without people who can plan, buy, hire, measure and manage, they stay on paper.”

An economist by training, the minister placed Gonet’s work in a global frame, noting that countries have taken different roads to prosperity.

Qatar, she said, saved its gas surplus in one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and invested in universities, research and training, with average income rising from under $3,000 a year in 1970 to above $70,000 today. The United Arab Emirates treated oil “as a bridge, not a destination,” and about three-quarters of its economy is now non-oil. Botswana entered independence in 1966 with only 22 university graduates, then used diamond revenue to develop “not just the roads, but the people,” and is now an upper-middle-income country.

For countries with nothing to dig, she pointed to Singapore, where income per person rose from about $500 in 1965 to above $90,000. The decisive choice, she said, was training people for targeted industries and changing the training whenever those industries changed. She also cited Rwanda, whose Vision 2050 aims for high-income status by mid-century.

“If some countries can be built on gas and others on people, Liberia can be built on both,” she said. Liberia has iron ore, gold, timber, rubber, fertile land and the sea, she noted, but its young people are a second inheritance that “does not need to be mined, but nurtured.”

Minister Kruah urged Gonet’s leadership not to be satisfied with attendance. “A full hall is a good start,” she said, but the question for the next five years is whether the school can become a model “government can look at and say: this works, let us back it and scale it.”

She said she did not know every detail of Gonet’s model, but its ability to draw young Liberians cohort after cohort suggests real value. “People do not keep coming back to a place that gives them nothing,” she said.

She then posed what she called harder questions: Where do Gonet’s graduates go? What do they earn a year later? Which skills will Liberia need in 2030, not just in 2026?

The Ministry of Youth and Sports is asking itself the same questions, she said, through *PATHWAYS: Rooting and Rising Liberia’s Youth*, its ten-year vision. The plan puts evidence, design and foresight at the center of the ministry’s work. She defined foresight as “looking ahead on purpose,” meaning studying emerging trends and jobs so that young people in classrooms today are prepared for the economy of 2035. Evidence, she said, means judging a program by what happens to the young people in it.

On that basis, the ministry’s foresight work wants to partner with institutions like Gonet to follow young people from training into work, “so we can see where they land and what they still need.”

One of PATHWAYS’ pillars, the Pathway Framework, aims to build an ecosystem that moves young Liberians from exclusion to agency, from training into work and from ideas into enterprises. “Gonet is already part of that ecosystem,” she said. The administration, she added, has placed young people at the center of its ARREST Agenda, and PATHWAYS is how her ministry intends to deliver on that commitment over the next decade.

Turning to the graduates, the minister invoked an idea attributed to Nobel laureate Ilya Prigogine: that small “islands of coherence” can shift an entire system to a higher order. Such an island, she said, is a place where people show up, keep their word, do the job properly and help others do the same.

She illustrated the point with Desh Garments, a Bangladeshi company that in 1979 sent 130 young workers to South Korea to learn garment making to world standards. Within a few years, 115 of them had left to start their own garment businesses and trained others who did the same. Bangladesh is today one of the world’s largest clothing exporters. “It began with 130 people in a training programme,” she said. “You are more than 900. Think about that.”

She urged the graduates to keep learning, produce accurate reports, run clean procurement, start the businesses they have been talking about and hire young people who remind them of themselves. She also encouraged them to return to Gonet with ideas to improve it, since people who pass through a model “usually see its flaws first.”

Mr. Kerkulah, who recalled earning about US$100 a month as an intern roughly six years ago, urged graduates to “never, never limit yourself.” He said the Academy belongs to its graduates as well as its founders and that he hopes they will take an interest in its growth.

Minister Kruah closed by congratulating Cohort 15, their families, “some of whom paid the fees and said the prayers,” and the Academy. “This morning, the most valuable reserve this country holds grew by 909,” she said.

MONROVIA, Liberia — The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Liberia’s human resource and institutional capacity, announcing 140 fully funded training opportunities for Liberian professionals under its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme for the 2026–27 financial year.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafrica.com

The announcement was made during the celebration of ITEC Day in Monrovia on October 28, 2026, where Indian Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Manoj Bihari Verma, disclosed that approximately 600 Liberian professionals have benefited from the programme over the years.

The event brought together senior Liberian government officials, ITEC and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) alumni, representatives of partner institutions, and other distinguished guests to celebrate more than six decades of India’s international capacity-building initiative.

Ambassador Verma explained that Liberia’s demand for the programme has continued to grow, noting that the country’s initial allocation of 70 training slots for the 2025–26 financial year was fully utilized within the first six months.

According to him, the strong demand prompted the Indian Government to provide an additional 86 slots, bringing Liberia’s total utilization to 156 training opportunities during the period.

For the current 2026–27 financial year, Liberia has been allocated another 140 training slots, with participation already progressing well.

The ITEC Programme, established by the Government of India in 1964, is marking its 62nd anniversary in 2026. It provides fully funded professional training opportunities to participants from partner countries across various fields, allowing them to acquire new skills and benefit from India’s institutional expertise and development experience.

“ITEC is an important pillar of India’s foreign policy and a flagship initiative of our development partnership,” Ambassador Verma noted.

He disclosed that the programme currently offers nearly 10,000 fully funded training opportunities annually and has benefited more than 225,000 professionals from over 160 countries.

The Ambassador emphasized that the initiative is built on mutual learning and cooperation, explaining that participants from partner countries also contribute their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to Indian institutions during their training.

India Extends Support Beyond Professional Training

Beyond professional capacity-building, the Indian Government is also supporting Liberian students through scholarship opportunities, including the ICCR India-Africa Friendship Scholarship Scheme.

Ambassador Verma disclosed that 24 Liberian students have been awarded ICCR scholarships this year, including 20 scholarships for master’s and doctoral studies at prestigious Indian institutions, among them the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

He also highlighted recent specialized training programmes provided to Liberian professionals, including occupational health and safety training for mining officers and nursing leadership and management programmes for nurses.

Other beneficiaries have included personnel from the Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, Liberia Revenue Authority, Monrovia City Corporation, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and various government ministries.

Ambassador Verma encouraged former participants to maintain their relationships with India, their fellow trainees, and the institutions where they received professional training.

He described ITEC alumni as ambassadors of goodwill and living bridges of friendship between India and Liberia, stressing that their professional contributions and personal relationships remain important to strengthening bilateral relations.

Liberia Calls for Alumni to Apply Skills at Home

Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Cllr. Jeddi Mowbray Armah, who served as Chief Guest, underscored the importance of South-South Cooperation and commended the Government of India for its sustained investment in Liberia’s human resource development.

He said India’s capacity-building initiatives provide an important opportunity for Liberian professionals to acquire knowledge and skills that can contribute to national development.

The Deputy Minister challenged ITEC alumni to translate the knowledge and professional experiences gained in India into practical contributions within their respective institutions and communities.

He also proposed documenting the achievements of Liberian ITEC alumni, including their current professional positions and how they are applying the skills acquired through the programme.

According to him, documenting these achievements would help demonstrate the programme’s impact on Liberia’s institutional development while highlighting the contributions of beneficiaries to national progress.

He further described alumni as an important link between the two countries, noting that their professional contributions can strengthen the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Liberia and India.

Deputy Minister Armah concluded by expressing appreciation to the Government of India for its continued partnership and commitment to strengthening Liberia’s human resource and institutional capacity.

Alumni Highlight Benefits of India Training

Representatives of partner institutions, including the Liberia National Fire Service, Monrovia City Corporation, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, and the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau, also addressed the gathering.

Selected ITEC alumni shared their experiences of training in India, highlighting the professional knowledge they acquired, their exposure to Indian institutions and practices, and the relationships developed during their respective programmes.

Acting President of the ITEC Alumni Association in Liberia, Alaskai Johnson, also emphasized the importance of maintaining an active alumni network to strengthen professional relationships and sustain engagement among former participants.

He noted that the association provides an important platform for preserving the connections established through the programme and promoting continued cooperation between Liberia and India.

The celebration highlighted the growing role of India’s development partnership in supporting Liberia’s professional workforce through specialized training, higher education scholarships, and institutional cooperation.

With 140 training opportunities available for the 2026–27 financial year, the programme continues to offer Liberian professionals and public-sector institutions an avenue to strengthen their technical knowledge, professional skills, and contributions to national development.

LOFA, VOINJAMA CITY — Rural women in Lofa County have praised the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for empowering them through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0, saying the program has improved their literacy, business management skills, and livelihoods.

By Patience M. Jones | patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The women made the commendation on Wednesday when Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie visited Voinjama City as part of her ongoing county assessment tour. The minister was warmly received by county leaders and community representatives.

The beneficiaries described the minister’s visit as a rare opportunity to meet her face-to-face and share their experiences, while expressing appreciation for the ministry’s efforts to improve the lives of rural women.

During the visit, local women’s agricultural groups also showcased their locally produced goods, including a product called Bengadee, demonstrating how they are using available empowerment opportunities to strengthen their economic activities.

According to the beneficiaries, the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 has provided opportunities in snail farming, rice production, tie-dye production, and adult literacy, equipping them with practical skills to improve their livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Makaimai Konneh said the initiative had transformed her life, particularly by improving her literacy and business management skills.

Konneh explained that before participating in the program, she could neither write nor recognize her name, numbers, or signs on documents. However, she said the adult literacy training had equipped her with the ability to identify and write her name and numbers.

She also said the program had educated women on the proper procedures for cross-border trade, encouraging them to comply with government regulations rather than resort to unofficial channels or shortcuts when traveling to purchase goods.

According to Konneh, the knowledge and skills acquired through the initiative have also changed how her family and community members perceive her.

“Before, I was not respected in my community, but now my family and community members respect me,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for providing opportunities to improve the lives of rural women.

Another beneficiary, Weedor Jallah, said the initiative had positively affected her life and those of other women through livelihood training, agricultural activities, and economic empowerment.

Jallah said she could now identify numbers, write and spell her name, and manage her business more effectively.

She praised the government for prioritizing rural women in its national development agenda, noting that the skills acquired through the initiative had strengthened their capacity to manage their economic activities.

Gender Coordinator Highlights Progress

Meanwhile, Lofa County Gender Coordinator Winifred Willie highlighted improvements at the ministry’s county office and progress made in supporting women and vulnerable groups.

Willie said the ministry had strengthened staff capacity through national and international training opportunities, provided equipment to improve operational efficiency, and offered financial support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

She also expressed satisfaction with improvements at the Gender Office in Lofa County and the positive changes she had witnessed in the lives of rural women benefiting from the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

Willie thanked Minister Horace-Kollie for providing travel opportunities for some of her colleagues at the county office, expressing hope that additional staff members would benefit from similar opportunities.

She made the remarks during the minister’s visit to the county on Wednesday.

Minister Urges Women to Take Ownership of Projects

For her part, Minister Horace-Kollie encouraged beneficiaries of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them and use the skills acquired to improve their lives.

She said the government was working to improve the living conditions of citizens, particularly women, and urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the support provided through the ministry.

The minister expressed appreciation for the testimonies shared by the women, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that empowerment initiatives translate into meaningful and lasting improvements in their lives.

She also stressed the need for beneficiaries to take ownership of projects in their communities to ensure their sustainability beyond the period of direct support.

“This is your project. This is your chance to change your life. Take ownership,” Minister Horace-Kollie urged the women.

The minister made the call during her visit to Lofa County as part of her ongoing county assessment tour.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection continues to implement initiatives aimed at supporting women and children, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting the empowerment of vulnerable communities across Liberia.

BONG COUNTY, Gbelekpala — Beneficiaries of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 in Gbelekpala, Bong County, have praised the programme for improving their literacy, business management knowledge, and vocational skills as the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection continues its county assessment tour.

By: Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

During the visit, women expressed excitement over the opportunity to meet the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, face-to-face and discuss issues affecting their lives.

Community leaders also welcomed the Minister, describing her visit to their community as a rare and encouraging experience that demonstrated the government’s commitment to engaging directly with rural residents.

The visit provided beneficiaries with an opportunity to share their experiences and explain how the initiative is helping women and other community members acquire practical knowledge and skills to improve their livelihoods.

The project, titled Empowering Women to End Violence in Liberia, focuses on strengthening women’s knowledge and skills while promoting their economic empowerment.

Speaking during the visit, Boakia Yamah, Field Officer of the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 under the Hope Consortium in Bong County, said the project began with a community mapping exercise conducted in collaboration with local authorities.

According to Yamah, the exercise initially identified two communities for the programme, but the number of residents interested in participating exceeded expectations.

He explained that more than 350 people were reached during the initial engagement in Gbelekpai, leading to the selection of beneficiaries and the expansion of activities to additional communities.

Yamah said six people were selected to participate in a five-day training-of-trainers session at the Gbelekpai Women’s Centre. Those trained are now helping to facilitate lessons for other participants in their communities.

He explained that the project uses a seven-module learning approach designed to equip women with practical knowledge and skills that can improve their daily lives.

The modules cover literacy and numeracy, business education, savings and loan associations, vocational skills, and digital learning, among other areas.

Yamah said participants had progressed to the fifth module, which focuses on digital learning, while practical vocational training would begin once the necessary materials arrived.

He noted that the initiative also provides a second chance for women and other adults who missed the opportunity to acquire basic education earlier in life.

Through the programme, participants are learning to identify letters and numbers, write their names, sign documents, read simple sentences, and recognize common signs in public places, including hospitals.

The programme also introduces participants to business management, savings practices, and vocational training to help them strengthen their livelihoods and improve their economic independence.

To make the training more accessible, organizers established additional learning sessions in Bangasiri after discovering that some beneficiaries lived outside the initially selected communities.

Yamah said facilitators currently conduct training sessions on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate participants from different communities.

Beneficiaries Celebrate Improved Literacy and Economic Skills

One of the beneficiaries, Mary L. Sonah, shared her experience since the project began in her community, describing the training as a life-changing opportunity.

Sonah said she previously did not know how to read or write but can now read, write, sign documents, and apply basic business management skills.

She described the opportunity to participate in women’s empowerment activities as a significant step forward for women in Bong County.

Another beneficiary, Gbanago Xarkpalwolo, praised the Government of Liberia and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for supporting the programme.

Xarkpalwolo said she had previously struggled with basic literacy but had now learned to read, write, identify numbers, sign documents, and manage a business through the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

She expressed gratitude for the knowledge she had acquired and pledged to pass it on to her children and grandchildren.

“What I have learned, I am going to pass it down to my children and grandchildren. If I die today, I will die a happy person because of what the Ministry is doing for us,” she said.

She added that before participating in the programme, she had little knowledge of business management and savings.

“From the day we started the training, things have turned around for our good. All thanks to the Government and the Ministry of Gender for equipping us through this project,” she stated.

Government Ownership and Sustainability

During the visit, Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie emphasized that the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 should be understood as a government-led programme supported by the European Union (EU), with funding channelled through the United Nations (UN).

The Minister stressed that the initiative should not be viewed as a programme belonging solely to the UN, noting that government ownership is essential to ensuring its continuation after external funding ends.

She explained that the government, the EU, and the UN work together to support the initiative, with the UN helping to channel funding and support implementation.

The Minister also underscored the importance of sustainability, urging project officers and community stakeholders to ensure that the programme’s activities continue beyond the current funding period.

She said the government’s involvement from the beginning was intended to encourage communities to take ownership of the programme and understand that its benefits should not end when the current project closes.

The Minister further highlighted plans to organize beneficiaries into Better Savings Groups to strengthen their savings practices and improve their access to financial opportunities.

Under the proposed arrangement, the 270 beneficiaries would be divided into three groups, with the relevant savings institutions registered to support their activities.

She said the initiative’s long-term success would depend on effective coordination, community participation, and the government’s commitment to sustaining the programme.

The Spotlight Initiative 2.0 seeks to support efforts to address violence against women while promoting women’s empowerment and expanding opportunities for women at the community level.

GBALATUAH TOWN, Bong County — Adolescent girls residing at the Victoria A. Tolbert Girls’ Hostel in Gbalatuah Town, Bong County  have praised the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for improving their living and learning conditions, saying the interventions have restored their hope for a better future.

By Patience M. Jones

The girls said the installation of solar lighting, renovation of the hostel building, improved living conditions and provision of basic services have made it easier for them to study, live safely and pursue their education without some of the challenges they previously faced.

The improvements were highlighted Tuesday, October 27  during a visit by Gender,  Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP)  Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie, who interacted with the students and encouraged them to remain focused on their education, describing them as the future leaders of Liberia.

Before the Ministry’s interventions, the students said the hostel was frequently dark, making nighttime studying difficult and exposing them to injuries while moving around the facility.

The girls also described the difficulties they experienced before gaining admission to the hostel, including financial hardship, interrupted schooling and limited access to basic necessities.

For some beneficiaries, the facility has become more than a place to live; it represents an opportunity to obtain an education that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Students Recount Their Struggles

Deborah D. Wamah, a 10th-grade student, said her admission to the hostel had significantly changed her life after she lost her mother at age 10 and her father struggled to provide for his five children.

Wamah explained that her family’s financial difficulties made it challenging for her to continue her education, leaving her uncertain about her future.

However, she said her situation had improved since she became a beneficiary of the hostel, where she receives meals and other essential support while pursuing her studies.

“I’m so happy to be selected to be here because I don’t have anyone to help me. My mother passed away when I was 10 years old, and my father couldn’t afford to send me to school,” Wamah said.

She also welcomed the installation of solar lighting, explaining that the previous lack of adequate lighting created difficulties for students who wanted to study at night and those who needed to move around the hostel.

According to her, students sometimes sustained injuries after accidentally hitting their heads against walls or hurting their hands and feet while navigating the dark facility.

“Now we have solar panel lights that are available 24/7. We don’t have to hit our heads against the walls anymore, and we can wake up at night to study,” she said.

Wamah expressed gratitude to the government and the Ministry of Gender,  Children and Social Protection

 for improving the facility and providing students with an environment in which they can concentrate on their education.

She also said the support had helped protect girls from the pressures that could force them into early marriage because of financial hardship.

Hostel Provides Relief for Students Facing Financial Hardship

Hannah K. Gbanyan, a seventh-grade student, also described the hostel as a source of relief after years of educational uncertainty caused by her family’s financial circumstances.

Gbanyan said her family previously struggled to meet basic needs, including food, while school fees sometimes prevented her from attending classes consistently.

She recalled watching her classmates attend school while she remained outside the classroom because of unpaid fees.

“Before I came to this dormitory and school, I faced lots of challenges. Sometimes, I was out of school because of school fees while my friends were in class, and that broke my heart,” she said.

Gbanyan said her circumstances had improved since joining the hostel, allowing her to attend school more consistently and study whenever she had the opportunity.

She added that the improved lighting had made it easier for students to study without waiting for daylight.

The seventh grader praised the Ministry for reaching students from disadvantaged backgrounds and providing them with an opportunity to continue their education.

Improved Facilities Bring Hope

Annie Y. Kerkulah, a ninth-grade student at Williams R. Tolbert Elementary, Junior and Senior High School, said she was grateful to have been selected from among children in her village to benefit from the hostel.

Kerkulah, who has lived at the facility since 2023, said the transformation had improved the students’ ability to study and participate in their daily activities.

She noted that the installation of solar lighting had addressed one of the major challenges previously confronting the girls.

Kerkulah also praised the renovation of the hostel building, saying the newly painted walls had improved the appearance of the facility and created a more welcoming environment.

She thanked the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for the support provided to the students.

Matron Commends Government’s Support

Angeline N. Camue, matron of the Victoria A. Tolbert Girls’ Hostel, expressed appreciation to the government and the Ministry of Gender for their continued efforts to improve the welfare of the students.

Camue said the Ministry had previously provided fuel and other assistance, including lighting support, to address some of the challenges facing the hostel.

She explained that the building was painted during the students’ break, although the painting work damaged the facility’s existing solar lights.

Despite that setback, she said the improvements had contributed to better living and learning conditions for the girls.

According to Camue, the improved lighting has enabled students to study at night and participate in their activities without the fear and inconvenience associated with moving around in darkness.

“We are grateful to the government of Liberia and the Minister of Gender. Our children can study anytime, and they can do their activities without fear of darkness,” she said.

Camue urged the government to sustain its support, emphasizing the importance of investing in girls’ education.

“The ones they educate today will be the ones to lead the nation tomorrow,” she added.

Gender Minister Pledges Continued Support

Meanwhile, Minister  Kollie reassured the students of the Ministry’s commitment to improving their welfare and ensuring they have access to quality education and a conducive learning environment.

During her interaction with the girls, the Minister encouraged them to take their studies seriously, remain determined and prepare themselves for future leadership responsibilities.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the students receive the educational and social support they need while residing at the hostel.

The Minister also announced plans to introduce additional extracurricular and skills-training activities to equip the girls with practical abilities and livelihood opportunities after completing secondary education.

The proposed activities are intended to help prepare the students for life beyond the classroom and provide them with skills that could support their future economic independence.

The visit highlighted the importance of sustained investment in girls’ education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who face financial and social barriers to completing their schooling.

For the beneficiaries at the Victoria A. Tolbert Girls’ Hostel, the improvements represent a meaningful step toward a safer learning environment and a renewed opportunity to pursue their educational ambitions.

The United Nations has urged its member states to renew their commitment to cooperation, peace, development and human rights, as Liberia, once host to one of the organization’s largest peacekeeping operations, prepares to take the presidency of the UN Security Council in December.

By Patience M. Jones/ patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The appeal was made Monday, October 26 at Liberia’s observance of UN Day 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Capitol Hill, Monrovia.

The event was held under the theme: “Liberia on the UN Security Council: From Sustaining Peace at Home to Advancing Peace and Security Globally.”

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni attended alongside diplomats, civil society representatives, academics and young people.

Delivering the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN RC Umutoni said the organization remains indispensable in addressing the world’s interconnected challenges.

She noted that its 81-year history shows the value of settling disputes through diplomacy and international law, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid and advancing gender equality.

She cautioned that armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and inequality are growing, while emerging technologies are advancing faster than governments’ capacity to regulate them.

“Now more than ever, let us stand firm in our resolve to uphold the United Nations Charter and international law,” the message stated. It called for dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation and solidarity over fear.

Umutoni said Liberia’s election to the Council demonstrates the worth of international partnership and the enduring relevance of multilateralism.

She also paid tribute to the Youth Advisory Panel and Model United Nations and revealed that this was her final UN Day in Liberia, with about three months remaining in her assignment.

In special remarks, President Boakai thanked the UN personnel and partners who helped end Liberia’s war, describing the organization’s contribution as “immeasurable.”

He also credited the international community with supporting successive peaceful elections and democratic transfers of power.

The President announced that Liberia will hold the Council’s rotating presidency in December, calling it a defining moment for the country’s diplomacy.

According to Minister Nyanti, maritime security will be Liberia’s signature initiative, and the President is expected to chair a high-level debate on the subject on December 3, 2026.

“For the first time in our history, Liberia secured a majority vote in the General Assembly for a full two-year term as a non-permanent member of the Security Council,”  President Boakai said.

He pledged to approach the role with humility, drawing on Liberia’s experience of war and reconciliation.

He acknowledged that the presidency comes at a time when the UN faces questions about its effectiveness and relevance. Artificial intelligence, climate change, irregular migration, deepening inequality and the frustrations of young people, he said, are challenges no country can resolve alone.

He called for a UN that is responsive to developing countries and gives vulnerable nations a meaningful voice.

In her theme address, Minister Nyanti described Liberia’s election as the culmination of decades of diplomatic engagement and national sacrifice.

She said Liberia received 181 of 187 votes in June 2025 for a non-permanent seat for 2026–2027 and took its place on January 1, 2026. Liberia is the last of the four African founding signatories of the UN Charter to be elected to the Council.

Liberia was among the 50 founding members that signed the Charter in 1945.  Minister Nyanti set the current term apart from 1961, when Liberia and Ireland shared a contested seat after a prolonged voting deadlock, each serving one year.

She also recalled Liberia’s opposition to apartheid and the 1969 election of Angie Brooks as president of the UN General Assembly.

Liberia’s standing at the Council is closely linked to its own recovery.

During the 14-year civil conflict, the UN worked with ECOWAS, the African Union and other partners on peace efforts and humanitarian assistance.

After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Accra in August 2003, the Security Council established the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) through Resolution 1509.

At its peak, UNMIL deployed about 15,000 military personnel, more than 1,000 police officers and civilian staff. The mission closed in March 2018, when responsibility for security passed fully to Liberian authorities.

Minister Nyanti highlighted Liberia’s expanded diplomatic relations, including the reopening of an embassy that had been closed for 35 years, visa-extension initiatives and representation in regional judicial institutions.

She announced that Liberia will launch what she called Africa’s first gender-responsive feminist foreign policy on November 17, 2026.

Activities planned around the presidency include a diplomatic briefing, a Peace and Reconciliation Museum, a war memorial, a maritime safety and security event, a Model UN Security Council debate for young people, and a compendium of Liberia’s peace agreements compiled by Foreign Service Institute students.

A billboard unveiled at the Ministry recognized the administration’s foreign policy achievements, and Minister Nyanti called Boakai Liberia’s “Foreign Policy Legacy President.”

The President credited the collective work of the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of State and Liberia’s diplomatic missions.

Both Umutoni and Boakai stressed the importance of teaching young Liberians about their country’s diplomatic history. A parallel celebration was held at the One UN Hub in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.

For the UN, the significance of Liberia’s presidency will be judged less by the historic nature of its election than by what the country contributes to peace, security and human rights during its month at the helm.

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MOGCSP) has launched a nationwide assessment tour of its projects, beginning in Nimba County, to evaluate implementation, identify challenges and strengthen the impact of programs targeting women, girls and vulnerable communities.

By Patience M. Jones,patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The assessment, which began Monday, October 26 at the Gender Office in Sanniquellie City,  Nimba County,  is focused on key programs, including the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), the Recovery of Economic Activities for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) and the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

The Ministry said the tour is intended to assess the quality of project implementation, identify challenges and areas requiring improvement and examine results at the output level.

It will also assess the performance of livelihood activities, grants beneficiaries, improvements in household incomes and the sustainability of interventions being implemented under the various programs.

The first phase of the assessment tour will cover Nimba, Bong, Lofa, Margibi, Grand Bassa and River Cess County.

As part of the visit to Nimba, the Government of Liberia(GoL), through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection,  presented a consignment of assorted materials to the Gender Office in Sanniquellie.

The materials include desktop computers, laptops, printers, fans, office chairs and desks, as well as 25 mattresses and book bags for safe homes, among other items.

The support forms part of Component Four of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity to improve the delivery of services.

Presenting the materials, Gender, Children and Social Protection  Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie said the items are intended to strengthen the operations of the Gender Office in Nimba and enhance its ability to effectively serve citizens.

Minister Kollie said the initiative is also aligned with the Ministry’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, which seeks to improve institutional performance and strengthen gender-responsive services across the country.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Gender Office in Sanniquellie, Minister Kollie emphasized the importance of ensuring that resources provided to county offices translate into improved services for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

Receiving the materials, Nimba County Gender Coordinator Yaah Belleh Suah,  lauded Minister Kollie for what she described as visionary and hands-on leadership.

Suah said the materials would strengthen the office’s operations, improve the management and confidentiality of official documents, and boost staff productivity.

She said under Minister Kollie’s leadership, the work of the Ministry of Gender has become more visible, measurable and impactful across Nimba County.

According to Suah, more than 5,000 women are benefiting from the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 and REALISE projects across the county.

She said interventions under the Spotlight Initiative include training women and girls to understand and respond to gender-based violence, financial support for survivors of GBV, and capacity-building opportunities for staff.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief James Karlay of Gbanquoi Town in Nimba County has praised the government  through the Ministry of Gender,   Children and Social Protection  for what he described as life-changing support provided to communities under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0.

Chief Karlay said the adult literacy program under the initiative has enabled community members to acquire basic reading and writing skills.

He disclosed that more than 127 women, men and young people are benefiting from the Spotlight Initiative in Gbanquoi Town.

According to the Paramount Chief, beneficiaries are also looking forward to engaging in snail farming as part of the livelihood opportunities supported under the project.

Chief Karlay spoke on behalf of beneficiaries during Minister Kollie’s assessment tour of Nimba County, calling for continued support to ensure that the gains made through the programs are sustained.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said the ongoing county assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of the progress, challenges and sustainability of its interventions while helping to guide future improvements in project implementation.

As the ENSURE Project closes this month, Liberian officials, donors and rights advocates gathered in Monrovia with a warning: the threats facing women human rights defenders are outlasting the funding meant to address them.

By Patience M. Jones, patiencejones@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (KTK) is hosting a two-day reflection meeting at the Cape Hotel on October 22–23, under the theme “From Evidence to Action: Reflecting, Learning, Strengthening Collective Action.”

Opening the meeting, KTK Country Director Korto Williams said it should not be treated as routine. “This is not business as usual; this is not a workshop,” she said, explaining that while programs and donor support are ending, “the challenges that we face as human rights defenders are not ending.”

Williams said human rights defenders, women’s rights advocates and civil society groups face “increasing pressures and shrinking resources in a rapidly changing environment.” She described the work as, for many, “a personal commitment and a personal journey” rather than a nine-to-five job.

She said she had brought her niece to the meeting so the young woman could understand the realities of Liberian society. The measure of success, she told participants, is whether the project’s results continue to benefit people long after it has ended, and she urged partners to strengthen the systems, partnerships and leadership that will sustain them.

She thanked the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Embassy of Ireland, civil society partners and human rights defenders for making the work possible.

ENSURE was set up to address limited evidence on threats, backlash and rights violations against human rights defenders, particularly women activists, in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Project Lead Beatrice Newland said it ran from November 2024 to October 2026 and focused on research, advocacy, safety and security, and cross-border solidarity.

Working with local partners, and supported by Irish Aid and the Rights and Democracy Research Centre, the project produced two country-specific research reports, identified gaps in legal and institutional protection, and developed advocacy plans.

Its main achievements, Newland said, included sharing research findings across six Liberian counties, engaging stakeholders on the proposed Human Rights Act, and delivering physical and digital security training for defenders. Exchanges between activists in the two countries also strengthened collaboration.

She said the project’s lessons include the need for flexibility, coordination, context-specific approaches and follow-up training. Evidence-based advocacy and sustained partnerships, she added, are essential to protecting defenders and advancing policy reform.

Speaking for the Embassy of Ireland, a representative said Dublin’s partnership with Liberia rests on the conviction that democracy is strongest when every citizen can participate in public life and when rights defenders can work “with confidence and security.” That conviction, the representative said, guides Ireland’s Mission Strategy for 2024–2028.

The representative commended KTK and the Nunn-Lai Research and Consulting Firm for convening the meeting and recalled an August policy dialogue that examined risks to defenders, from physical violence to online harassment, along with gaps in legal protection and institutional capacity. This week’s question, the representative said, is “What has changed because of this work, and what must come next?”

The representative acknowledged that “the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights is real,” and said Liberia is not alone in facing it. Cross-border learning, including with partners in Sierra Leone, will continue, the representative said.

Deputy Minister for Research, Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Curtis V. Dorley said protecting women and girls remains a national priority. He pointed to persistent violence and discrimination, including rape, child marriage, female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence and workplace sexual harassment, and said the government is working to address harmful social norms.

Dorley also flagged technology-facilitated violence as a growing threat, citing online bullying, internet scams and cyber fraud, which he said are damaging the mental health, financial security and dignity of women and girls. He called for public awareness, effective enforcement of relevant laws, accessible reporting mechanisms and support for survivors.

He said women and girls in domestic service, on plantations and at mining sites remain especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and need better access to justice, support services and safe working conditions.

Dorley commended the Legislature for passing the Data Protection and Cybersecurity Act, but urged advocates to push for the Women and Girls Protection Bill, which remains pending. He said the bill is vital to strengthening legal safeguards and the national response to gender-based violence.

The Ministry, he said, remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen protection mechanisms, improve services for survivors and promote women’s leadership.

The meeting continues Friday, with participants expected to discuss how to sustain the project’s gains after its conclusion.