Commerce Ministry Adopts Gender Policy to Promote Equality in Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia: In a daring move to combat inequality and promote gender empowerment, the Ministry of Commerce has officially launched the Gender Policy Initiative.

The program, held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, is a collaborative effort involving key institutions such as the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP), UN Women, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Action Aid, and private and public sector representatives.

The primary goal of the Gender Policy is to aim at institutionalizing gender mainstreaming and social inclusion within the Ministry of Commerce’s management, policies, programs, and operations.

Speaking at the launch, Commerce Minister Magdalene Shelley Dagoseh emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure equal access to employment opportunities, fair promotions, and greater participation in trade.

Strict implementation of the Gender Policy Initiative will also endeavor to formulate mechanisms to eradicate sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and discrimination among women and adolescent girls.

According to Minister Dagoseh, this initiative has been well received by Liberians and pledged the Ministry’s commitment in fostering an inclusive economic environment that benefits all citizens.

The event brought together permanent personalities from the government and private sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance. The House’s Chair on Gender Committee Bong County Electoral District Six Representative Moimah Briggs Mensah also graced the occasion.

The Commerce Minister also reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds have equal rights and opportunities.

She urged all partners to collaborate in implementing and upholding the Gender Policy, while cautioning against any attempt to undermine the initiative, as gender inclusivity is essential for sustainable economic growth.

Also speaking on behalf of Gender Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie, Assistant Gender Minister Ophelia Kennedy stated that the Gender Policy Initiative serves as a bold commitment to ensuring gender equality and empowerment in all aspects of economic development.

For her part, the UN Women Representative, Madam Comfort Lartey, reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting the Gender Policy.

She highlighted that the policy is aligned with international gender laws and its potential to create an enabling environment for both men and women in Liberia.

Madam Lartey emphasized that the initiative marks a significant step toward progress within the Ministries of Commerce and Gender while entreating stakeholder’s commitment in ensuring the policy implementation process becomes a success.

Edited: E. Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.