UN Women Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Women and Girls in Liberia

Strategic Insights -

UN Women is marking a significant milestone in Liberia, 15 years since its establishment in 2009. The organization has been actively engaged through annual programming, advocacy, and coordination with the Government to work with civil society on programs targeting gender equality and women's empowerment. Since its inception, UN Women has addressed issues related to women's political participation and leadership, economic empowerment, women, peace and security, human rights, and gender-responsive planning and budgeting. This anniversary is a testament to the organization's commitment to empowering women and girls in Liberia, despite the country's deep structural fragility, weak institutions, and entrenched gender inequality.

Key Takeaways:

  • UN Women was established in Liberia in 2009 as the country office of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
  • The organization has been actively engaged through annual programming, advocacy, and coordination with the Government to work with civil society on programs targeting gender equality and women's empowerment.
  • UN Women has addressed issues related to women's political participation and leadership, economic empowerment, women, peace and security, human rights, and gender-responsive planning and budgeting.
  • The organization has played a pivotal role in shaping the progress on peacebuilding, governance, protection, and economic development in Liberia.
  • UN Women has supported the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and has contributed to the development of laws and policies promoting women's empowerment and equality in Liberia.
  • The organization has been a key partner in the Government's efforts to end violence against women and girls, promote economic empowerment, and support women's leadership and participation in politics and decision-making.
  • The anniversary event highlighted the organization's commitment to partnership, resilience, and dedication to a future where every woman and girl can thrive.
  • Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, highlighted the organization's impact and commitment to women's empowerment, noting the significance of the Beijing Platform for Action and the establishment of UN Women.
  • Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Gbeme Horace Kollie congratulated UN Women on its 15-year milestone, praising the organization's contributions to Liberia's development trajectory and its commitment to partnership and non-stop support for women's empowerment.

Statistics:

  • 15 years since UN Women was established in Liberia.
  • Since 2010, UN Women has initiated programs on peace huts, market women, and gender-based violence.
  • In 2015, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection launched a national plan to combat GBV and promote women's empowerment.
  • In 2018, UN Women launched a campaign to end violence against women and girls in Liberia.
  • The organization has supported the development of laws and policies promoting women's empowerment and equality in Liberia, including the 2014 amendment to the Liberian Constitution.
  • Since 2012, UN Women has worked with the Government to support women's leadership and participation in politics and decision-making.

Sources:

  • "Liberia marks 15 years of UN Women's presence in the country" (The New Dawn, July 2025).
  • "Celebrating 15 Years of Empowering Women and Girls in Liberia" (UN Women, 2025).
  • "Liberia: UN Women Celebrates 15th Anniversary" (FrontPageAfrica, July 2025).
  • "UN Women's 15 Years in Liberia: A Story of Partnership and Empowerment" (UN Women, 2025).
  • "Liberia: Government supports UN Women on its 15-year milestone" (The Liberian Times, July 2025).
  • "UN Women Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Women and Girls in Liberia" (UN Women, 2025).