By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Maxime Houinato, the Regional Director for UN Women in West and Central Africa, concluded a high-level mission to Liberia with resounding praise for the Liberian government and its people. Speaking at a press conference at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Dr. Houinato expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the United Nations family, the donor community, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people for their warm reception and fruitful engagements.
Dr. Houinato shared his optimistic impressions of Liberia, describing it as a nation brimming with renewed hope and determination. “There is a growing sense of hope among the Liberian people,” he stated, emphasizing that his interactions with various stakeholders across the country left him optimistic about Liberia’s future.
He commended the government’s dedication to its national development blueprint, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. “This agenda is not just a vision; it is a call to shared responsibility,” Dr. Houinato affirmed. “Our focus remains on accountability—not just from the government, but from civil society organizations, international partners, and all other stakeholders. Everyone must be engaged in ensuring that Liberia continues to make tangible progress.”
Dr. Houinato underscored that gender equality, particularly the economic empowerment of women and girls, must remain central to Liberia’s development efforts. “We must work collectively to ensure that every sector plays a key role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV),” he added.
During his visit, Dr. Houinato held a closed-door meeting with Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. According to the UN Women Regional Director, President Boakai expressed unwavering commitment to steering the country toward sustained peace, security, and national development. “President Boakai has committed to moving the country forward,” Dr. Houinato told journalists. “He recognizes the importance of inclusive governance and the role of women in national reconstruction; his support for UN Women’s efforts here is deeply encouraging.”
Dr. Houinato also disclosed that he met with representatives from the Ministries of National Defense, Gender, and other line ministries, civil society organizations, embassies, and development partners. “The feedback we received from these engagements is clear: Liberia is making progress. The country’s seat at the United Nations Security Council is not just symbolic; it is a recognition of Liberia’s growing voice in global governance,” he stated. He further remarked that the international community acknowledges Liberia’s evolving importance, even if it may not always be immediately visible to citizens within the country. “Sometimes you don’t fully understand the importance of your own country, but those of us observing from outside see Liberia as a beacon of resilience and potential.”
Reiterating UN Women’s commitment, Dr. Houinato pledged continued support for economic empowerment programs for women and girls across Liberia. He called for increased investment in initiatives that provide young women with skills training, education, and access to economic resources. “We cannot talk about development without talking about the women who form the backbone of this society,” he said. “Empowering women is not optional; it is fundamental to economic growth and peacebuilding.”
Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Teta Horace, welcomed the Regional Director’s visit and lauded the long-standing partnership between her Ministry and UN Women. “This partnership is very critical to our national development goals,” Minister Horace stated. “UN Women has stood with us through every challenge and every success; we are especially grateful for the continued support in our fight against gender-based violence.”
Minister Horace described the collaboration as one that has strengthened institutional capacity and deepened the Ministry’s outreach, especially to adolescent girls who have been out of school due to pregnancy, poverty, or GBV-related trauma. “Our focus remains an unwavering commitment to those who are most vulnerable. We want to ensure that girls return to school, that survivors of violence receive justice and care, and that women in rural areas have access to resources that will help lift their communities,” she said.
The Minister used the occasion to call on the Liberian media to be sensitive and professional when reporting cases of gender-based violence. “The media has a critical role in how the public perceives and responds to issues of GBV,” she noted. “Your reporting should be accurate and respectful; it should not promote blame or discrimination, but rather empower communities to take action.” She revealed that the Ministry, with support from international partners, has opened GBV sub-stations in various counties to enhance public awareness and response mechanisms. These centers serve as referral points for survivors and platforms for community-based awareness. “We want every citizen to rise against gender-based violence. It’s not just a women’s issue—it’s everybody’s fight. With support from our donor and international partners, we can win this fight together,” she concluded.
UN Women has been one of Liberia’s strongest partners in promoting women’s rights and supporting programs that address GBV, increase girls’ access to education, and enhance women’s participation in leadership. Dr. Houinato reaffirmed that the agency will continue to support the Government of Liberia through technical assistance, policy advocacy, and program funding. “UN Women will always be a partner to the Government and people of Liberia,” he assured. “We are here to stay, to work hand in hand in building a society that leaves no one behind, especially women and and girls.”
The press conference concluded on a note of optimism and renewed commitment, with both the Government and UN Women emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in Liberia’s development journey. As Liberia navigates its post-conflict recovery and democratic transition, the role of women in leadership, peacebuilding, and economic resilience is more crucial than ever. With the backing of global partners such as UN Women, the country appears poised to translate its aspirations into concrete outcomes.
Dr. Houinato’s visit served not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a call to action—to government, to communities, to development actors, and to the media—to ensure that gender equality is not just a slogan but a lived reality for every Liberian.
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