…Liberia Signs Up as a Trailblazer Country to end violence against women and girls, and investing in young women
By Amos Harris
Liberia, a Trailblazer Country for gender equality, is accelerating its efforts to implement the Beijing Platform for Action, marking the 30th anniversary of the landmark global framework. On Friday, July 11, 2025, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), in collaboration with UN Women Liberia, hosted a national dialogue themed “Accelerating Implementation of the Beijing+30 Action Agenda for Women and Girls” at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.
The event gathered high-level representatives from government, civil society organizations, and international partners to assess Liberia’s progress and reaffirm its commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, recognized as the most progressive global framework for achieving gender equality.
Having actively participated in the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in March, Liberia has embraced its role as a Trailblazer Country. This role involves focusing on two critical areas: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) and Investing in Young People, Especially Adolescent Girls and Future Generations.
Deputy Minister for Gender, Atty. Laura Golakeh, expressed gratitude for Liberia’s involvement in the Beijing+30 process, emphasizing the nation’s obligation to translate policy commitments into tangible results. “As a country, we have made important strides since the Beijing Declaration, especially in ensuring our girls grow up free from violence and discrimination,” she noted. “We are proud to serve as a Trailblazer Country, and we must align all national frameworks to this commitment.”
Atty. Golakeh stressed the importance of national policies being responsive to the realities faced by women and girls, particularly concerning sexual and gender-based violence, adolescent empowerment, and women’s inclusion in climate justice and digital development.
Esther David Yango, Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), raised serious concerns about the ongoing practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in parts of Liberia. “FGM has no economic or health benefits, only trauma; too many girls are forced into this harmful tradition. We need coordinated national action, and local NGOs are ready to be the foot soldiers in our communities,” Yango stated, emphasizing that NGOs must serve as community ambassadors for awareness, education, and grassroots mobilization against harmful traditional practices.
Madam Priscina Wanjiru, Partnership and Coordination Officer for UN Women Liberia, representing the Country Representative, stressed the need for action over promises. “This is not about words on paper; it’s about achieving results. We must move from commitment to action, and we must do it together,” she urged, calling on all stakeholders to remain engaged and accountable to the Beijing+30 roadmap.
Lesley A. Mersah, Gender Advisor at the Embassy of Ireland, commended Liberia for its leadership and commitment to the Beijing+30 agenda, praising the country’s bold steps and reaffirming Ireland’s support. “Ireland is proud to stand with Liberia. We remain committed to supporting national initiatives that uplift women and girls and ensure gender equality is not just a policy but a lived reality,” she stated.
As a Trailblazer nation, Liberia is taking a prominent role in the global recommitment to gender equality, aligning its national agenda to ensure gender equality remains a cross-cutting priority across all sectors of governance and development.
The dialogue concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants. As Liberia prepares to report its progress ahead of the global Beijing+30 Commemoration, stakeholders pledged to accelerate national implementation through collaborative programming, improved policy alignment, and community-based interventions.
With support from UN Women, the Embassy of Ireland, and a robust network of NGOs, Liberia’s fight for gender justice is gaining momentum, setting a regional example of what is possible when political will, community action, and international solidarity unite for a common cause.