By Amos Harris
Congo Town, Montserrado, Liberia – In a stirring celebration of resilience, progress, and impact, UN Women Liberia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, unveiled a compelling photo exhibition today, July 18, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Ministerial Complex. The exhibition marks 15 years of UN Women’s presence and advocacy in Liberia.
Themed “Young Enough to Transform, Old Enough to Deliver,” the exhibition chronicles UN Women’s journey from its global founding in July 2010 to its groundbreaking work across Liberia. Through a curated selection of photographs, the event showcases the organization’s powerful legacy and continued commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development in the country.
The exhibition captures pivotal moments reflecting the impact of UN Women’s work from rural villages to political corridors. Images of women breaking gender barriers, communities recovering from conflict, and grassroots advocacy highlight the agency’s evolution from a youthful initiative to a cornerstone of Liberia’s gender advocacy landscape.
Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women’s Country Representative in Liberia, described the exhibition as a “visual testament to the transformative power of partnership.” She emphasized that the journey has been one of shared struggle and success, achieved through collaboration with the Government of Liberia, local women’s organizations, and international development partners.
“Every photograph displayed here tonight represents not just a moment frozen in time but a story of courage, determination, and transformation,” Ms. Lamptey stated. “This exhibition tells the story of women who have fought for peace, who lead in politics, who are healing their communities, and who are shaping Liberia’s future.”
The ceremony welcomed Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, as the special guest, underscoring the significance of Liberia’s contributions to the regional gender equality agenda and UN Women’s broader vision for sustainable development.
Also in attendance were high-level government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of civil society organizations, traditional women leaders, youth advocates, and representatives from the United Nations family in Liberia.
Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie lauded UN Women for its steadfast partnership and critical role in advancing women’s rights in Liberia. “UN Women has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in some of our most challenging and triumphant times. Tonight, we celebrate not just 15 years of work, but 15 years of impact,” Minister Kollie said.
The exhibition explores several thematic pillars central to UN Women’s mission in Liberia:
- Ending Violence Against Women: Images depict community-led campaigns, safe spaces for survivors, and training programs for security and justice personnel.
- Women, Peace, and Security: Photos highlight women’s leadership in reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the wake of Liberia’s civil conflict.
- Women in Leadership and Governance: The exhibition features portraits of women in elected and appointed positions, championing inclusive governance.
- Women’s Economic Empowerment: Visual stories from agriculture, market cooperatives, and vocational programs reveal how women are becoming economic drivers in their communities.
“These images are not just symbols of change; they are evidence of what is possible when we invest in women and girls,” noted Dr. Houinato, praising Liberia’s strides in women’s empowerment as a model for the region.
Following its debut at the EJS Ministerial Complex, the exhibition will be relocated to the One UN House on Tubman Boulevard, allowing broader public access and continued engagement.
As UN Women Liberia reflects on its 15-year journey, it has reiterated its commitment to accelerating progress toward gender equality. Ms. Lamptey emphasized that while much has been achieved, the work is far from over. “Our mission continues – to ensure every Liberian woman and girl can live free from violence, participate equally in leadership, and access opportunities to fulfill her potential,” she said.
UN Women is the United Nations agency dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. In Liberia, the agency has worked extensively in the areas of peace and security, political participation, access to justice, and economic empowerment. Through strategic partnerships with the Government of Liberia, civil society, and international donors, UN Women continues to drive forward the agenda for women’s rights and inclusive national development.
As the curtain rose on this memorable exhibition, guests were reminded that the story of Liberia’s women is one of strength, perseverance, and promise – a story that UN Women is proud to have helped write and is even more determined to help shape for the future.