UN Women Commends Liberia’s Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security Agenda

Madam Comfort Lamptey Hails Liberian Women’s Role in Advancing UNSCR 1325

Monrovia, Liberia: UN Women Country Representative, Madam Comfort Lamptey, has lauded the Government of Liberia for its sustained commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, pledging continued UN Women support toward achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country.

Madam Lamptey made the remarks on Friday at a high-level Gender Roundtable hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and UN Women Liberia, to commemorate 25 years of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The event, held at the C. Cecil Dennis Jr. Auditorium in Monrovia, brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and women’s rights advocates to reflect on progress made in promoting women’s leadership and participation in peace and security processes.

Celebrating 25 Years of Progress and Advocacy

In her inspiring address, Madam Lamptey paid tribute to Liberia’s women leaders, activists, and peacebuilders whose tireless efforts have shaped the country’s post-war recovery and contributed to global peacebuilding initiatives.

“This is a moment to celebrate, even though we know we still have much work to do,” Madam Lamptey said. “Twenty-five years ago, women including Liberian women fought to make the world understand that the issues affecting women in conflict are indeed matters for the UN Security Council.”

She praised the historical leadership of African nations, noting that the landmark UNSCR 1325 which recognizes the vital role of women in peace and security was adopted under the presidency of Namibia, an African country.

Reflecting on Liberia’s own journey, Madam Lamptey described it as “a full circle,” citing examples of women who played significant roles during and after the civil conflict. She mentioned the late Madam Mary Brownell, Madam Elizabeth Malba, Madam Medina Wesseh, and others who documented and led initiatives to engage warring parties, advocate for peace, and support community recovery.

Madam Lamptey highlighted that Liberia now stands at a pivotal moment as it prepares to take a seat on the United Nations Security Council, positioning the nation to help shape future discussions on women, peace, and security.

“Liberia stands in a good position to help shape the conversation and the agenda on women, peace, and security for the future,” she emphasized.

She also commended Liberia’s growing contributions to international peacekeeping, noting that Liberian women now serve as peacekeepers globally, symbolizing the nation’s progress and leadership in gender and peacebuilding.

Looking ahead, Madam Lamptey underscored the importance of developing Liberia’s third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security, describing it as a vital tool for sustaining peace and preventing conflict.

“This meeting marks the foundation for our third National Action Plan. It is time to strategize how we want to move forward empowering more young women, expanding mentorship, and strengthening research to support our peace efforts,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cllr. Deweh E. Gray, reaffirmed Liberia’s leadership in gender-responsive governance and stressed that women’s voices must remain central to peacebuilding and national development.

Cllr. Gray emphasized that Liberia’s experience serves as a model for how inclusive leadership can sustain peace and drive national progress.

Adopted in 2000, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 underscores the importance of women’s participation in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction. It remains a cornerstone of the global Women, Peace, and Security agenda.