Bridging the Gender Gap: UN, Liberia Launch Financial Project to Enhance Women's Inclusion in the Army, Peacemaking Mission

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The government of Liberia, in collaboration with the United Nations' Women with support from the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations, has officially launched a financial program in the tone of 

Six Hundred Sixty-three Thousand, Seven Hundred Ninety-one United States Dollars (US$663,791.89) in a bid to boost women’s participation in the Armed Forces of Liberia and deployment to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The two-year initiative, titled “Strengthening Armed Forces of Liberia’s Women Active Participation in Peace and Security through Deployment to Peacekeeping Missions,” was formally launched on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Ministry of National Defense Headquarters at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.

Launching the project, Minister of National Defense, Geraldine George said the initiative represents a critical step in addressing long-standing structural and institutional barriers that have limited women’s full participation in the Liberian military.

Addressing government officials and partners, Minister George noted that although Liberia’s Military has undergone significant reforms since the end of the civil war, women remain severely underrepresented in operational, leadership, and deployable roles.

She disclosed that women currently account for just over 7.5 percent of the Armed Forces of Liberia, a marginal improvement that has progressed slowly over the years.

The Minister stressed: “This is not a reflection of women’s capacity or commitment. It is the result of structural and institutional barriers, including deployment eligibility requirements, infrastructure gaps, and social exclusion.”

She referenced the September 2022 Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) Assessment, which identified these barriers as major impediments to women’s advancement within the AFL.

The Defense Minister explained that the Elsie Initiative Fund Project was signed on November 11, 2025, between the Ministry of National Defense and UN Women, with full implementation responsibility resting on the ministry and technical support provided by the UN Women.

“Thanks be to God that the Elsie Initiative Fund made this project a reality,” she said.

According to the framework, the project will focus on: Strengthening institutional systems, policies, and gender-responsive planning within the AFL, Expanding training and deployment opportunities for women in UN peacekeeping missions, Building leadership capacity on gender equality, protection, and peacekeeping standards; and Improving data systems to track progress and ensure accountability.

Minister Geraldine George emphasized that while the government is delightful for the international support, the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia will maintain full ownership of the reform agenda.

“We are committed to implementing these initiatives with discipline, transparency, integrity, and sustained leadership,” she assured.

She added that the project aligns with Liberia’s National Defense Act, the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the AFL Gender Policy, as well as global frameworks including UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

On behalf of the United Nations Women, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey, described the newly launched Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) project as a critical step toward building a more inclusive and effective security sector in Liberia.

Lamptey said the EIF project goes beyond creating opportunities for women, stating that it ensures that institutions are equipped to support them once they begin national duty. She highlighted the importance of institutional reforms, improved welfare, and accountability measures that allow women to serve and lead on equal footing with their male counterparts.

Lamptey also underscored the value of partnership, noting that the collaboration between UN Women, the AFL, and the Ministry of National Defense is key to achieving sustainable change.

"Such cooperation helps build security institutions that better reflect the population they serve and are more responsive to community needs", the UN Women Liberia Country Representative stated.

Serving as Keynote Speaker, Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah of Bong County Electoral District Six described the initiative as a strategic investment in national security rather than a charitable effort.

“Supporting women in the military is not a gesture of goodwill or charity,” Representative Briggs-Mensah said. “It is a strategic investment in Liberia’s future security, ensuring our institutions are stronger, more credible, and more inclusive.”

She commended UN Women, the Ministry of National Defense, and the AFL leadership for embracing inclusive security, noting that women played a critical role in peacebuilding and stabilization during Liberia’s years of conflict.

Representative Briggs-Mensah further highlighted persistent budgetary constraints that have limited specialized recruitment programs for women across the security sector, stating that the Elsie Initiative Fund will help bridge those gaps and create pathways for greater female integration.

“This project sends a clear message to the world that Liberia values equality, embraces innovation, and is committed to strengthening institutions that require the participation of all citizens,” she added.

The Elsie Initiative Fund Project's launch brother together government officials, UN partners, members of the diplomatic corps, the AFL High Command, ECOWAS Advisory Training Team, civil society actors, and other distinguished guests