Ganta, Nimba County – A three-day Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue Workshop on Women’s Economic Empowerment opened in Ganta, Nimba County, under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerating Progress for Liberia’s Future.” The workshop brings together women’s groups, organizations, and government ministries and agencies to promote awareness and drive initiatives for women’s empowerment.
By Franklin Doloquee
At the opening ceremony, Dr. Muriel Ametoglo, UN Women’s Regional Feminist Economist Specialist, emphasized the workshop’s goal of enhancing participants’ capacity to advocate for policies that support women’s economic empowerment. She highlighted the importance of advancing areas such as the care economy, green economy, trade and entrepreneurship, and financing for gender equality.
Dr. Yemi Falayajo, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women in Liberia, delivered the keynote address, urging participants to promote women’s empowerment as a means to contribute to Liberia’s socioeconomic progress. She noted that global and regional challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate-related crises, are pushing millions of women into poverty. She stressed that empowering women in Liberia would increase productivity and support sustainable development.
The workshop features sessions on building women’s capacity in economic participation, enhancing access to financial services, and improving opportunities in green jobs, entrepreneurship, and trade. Participants are expected to develop a roadmap to advance women’s economic empowerment in Liberia by 2030.
Charlyn Davis Worzie, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the need for gender equity to ensure sustainable development. Assistant Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ophelia J.S. Kennedy, encouraged participants to engage collaboratively, stating that collective effort is essential to overcome the challenges women face in economic spheres.
Korvah Avery Tarue, Financial Sector Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, concluded by stressing that women’s economic empowerment is critical to Liberia’s prosperity. He called for actionable strategies to break down barriers and create an environment where women can thrive economically.
