Liberia Gender Minister: Urges Sustained Women Investment for Safety, Empowerment

• Liberia's Minister of Gender, Social and Children Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, has called for sustained government investment in women.
• The Minister emphasized three key areas for investment: women's safety, economic empowerment, and leadership.
• This call was made in Monrovia as Liberia has launched its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
• The national action plan has been launched and is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2031.

The Minister's pronouncement emphasizes that such investment is not merely a social expenditure but a crucial component of national progress.

In a significant address from Monrovia, Liberia, the Minister of Gender, Social and Children Protection, Gbeme Horace Kollie, has issued a compelling call for the Liberian government to commit to sustained investment in critical areas impacting women. Minister Kollie specifically highlighted the urgent need for enhanced financial and programmatic support directed towards ensuring women's safety, fostering their economic empowerment, and strengthening their participation in leadership roles across the nation. This directive underscores a strategic focus on foundational pillars for gender equality and national development.

The Minister's pronouncement emphasizes that such investment is not merely a social expenditure but a crucial component of national progress. By prioritizing women's safety, the government aims to create secure environments essential for their full participation in society. Simultaneously, economic empowerment initiatives are designed to provide women with the resources and opportunities necessary for financial independence and contribution to the national economy. Furthermore, promoting women in leadership is seen as vital for inclusive governance and decision-making processes, reflecting a comprehensive approach to elevating the status of women in Liberia.

Minister Kollie's advocacy for increased governmental commitment arrives as Liberia prepares to embark on the implementation of its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. This strategic framework, launched to guide national efforts from 2026 through 2031, provides the overarching policy context for the Minister's call. The emphasis on sustained investment in women's safety, economic empowerment, and leadership is directly aligned with the objectives typically embedded within such national action plans, which are designed to translate international commitments into concrete domestic policies and programs.

The Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security represents a critical roadmap for Liberia's ongoing efforts to integrate gender perspectives into peacebuilding, security, and development initiatives. The Minister's statement effectively sets the tone for the upcoming implementation phase, signaling that robust and consistent financial backing will be indispensable for achieving the plan's ambitious goals. This proactive stance by the Liberia Gender Minister highlights the government's intention to ensure that women investment remains a central pillar of its long-term national strategy.

The call for "sustained" government investment is particularly noteworthy, indicating a recognition that sporadic or short-term initiatives are insufficient to address deeply entrenched gender disparities. Instead, Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie advocates for a long-term, consistent allocation of resources that can build lasting infrastructure and systemic change. This sustained approach is crucial for creating an environment where women can thrive, free from violence, with access to economic opportunities, and with a strong voice in their communities and national affairs.

Ultimately, the Minister's vision for women investment in Liberia is about fostering a more equitable and prosperous society. By channeling resources into these key areas, the government aims to unlock the full potential of its female population, leading to broader societal benefits. The commitment articulated by the Minister of Gender, Social and Children Protection serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that dedicated governmental support can have on the lives of women and the overall trajectory of national development.

Source: Original reporting via New Republic