Liberia Observes International Women’s Day with Calls to Empower Women as Drivers for Economic Growth

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Liberia commemorated the 115th International Women’s Day on Friday, March 6, 2026, recognizing the vital role and contributions of women in society.

This year's celebration was held under the global theme: “Give to Gain,” and the local Liberian theme: “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development.”

Delivering a speech during the official observance in Paynesville, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, stated that this year's theme calls for action.

She said national leaders must see investment in women and girls not as charity but as a strategy to lay a solid foundation for national progress.

The Minister described women as the backbone of Liberia’s informal economy, noting they make up about 55 percent of small enterprises.

Despite these figures, she explained that structural inequalities persist: women earn 15 percent less than men, fewer than five percent work in the formal sector, and as of 2026, women hold only 11 percent of seats in the National Legislature.

"This is a moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of women to society and to acknowledge their long struggle for equality, justice, peace, freedom, and sustainable development,” Minister Horace said.

She added that the day serves as a solemn reminder of the extraordinary courage and leadership shown by women who have shaped the nation—from leading peace movements that ended years of conflict to advancing democracy, strengthening community resilience, and improving education, health outcomes, and social cohesion.

Meanwhile, Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie stated that the Ministry is actively working to empower women and girls and to reduce gender inequality across Liberia.

She explained that the Liberia Women’s Empowerment Project (LWEP), under the Ministry, is a bold, multi-year national initiative aimed at expanding women’s access to sustainable livelihoods, building institutional capacity, and creating lasting economic opportunities.

She informed the audience that 88 livelihood grants have been awarded so far, benefiting 3,667 women, and as the project expands into Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess, and Grand Gedeh counties, an additional 32,666 women are being mobilized to participate and benefit.

“This initiative significantly expands income-generating opportunities for vulnerable populations in the informal sector, while contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction and improved household food security.”

“To institutionalize gender equality and inclusion, the Ministry has scaled up Gender, Social, and Inclusion Units (GSIUs) from 9 units between 2024 and 2025 to 42 today, and we are establishing 20 additional units to further strengthen inclusive governance across the public sector,” she added.

Also speaking, former Vice Presidential candidate Charlelyn Brumskin urged women to embrace unity, mentorship, and mutual support as keys to societal transformation.

Brumskin reflected on the importance of giving—not just resources, but care, guidance, and courage—to empower women and communities. She recounted examples of women standing up during Liberia’s civil war and in everyday life, emphasizing that progress requires intentional action, service, and leadership.

“If Liberian women embrace one simple truth—I am my sister’s keeper—we can transform our society,” she said, praising Minister Horace for creating platforms that amplify women’s voices.

She encouraged young women to dream boldly, pursue leadership roles, and support one another, reminding all that women’s empowerment drives national development.

The professional lawyer underscored that leadership goes beyond holding positions; it involves reforming institutions, transforming politics, and bringing integrity, collaboration, and service to society.

Let this International Women’s Day serve as a renewed national commitment, where actions align with words. When we stand for women, we stand for Liberia,” Minister Horace concluded.

The event united government officials, civil society leaders, and Liberian women from all walks of life to celebrate achievements, address ongoing challenges, and reaffirm commitments to women’s empowerment and national progress.

The United Nations adopted Resolution 32/142 in 1977, proclaiming March 8 as International Women’s Day.