By Rachel Saykiamien
Monrovia – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has launched its first-ever Wellness Policy and Resource Mobilization Strategy, a groundbreaking step made possible through support from Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF–Africa). The move strengthens WONGOSOL’s institutional resilience and offers a model for its network of more than 250 women-led organizations nationwide.
The launch followed a three-day wellness workshop and power-mapping session with staff and board members, which focused on governance, staff well-being, and organizational growth. The new policy introduces measures such as half-day Fridays to promote rest and mental health, and regular wellness discussions during coordination meetings.
“Wellness is no longer an afterthought but a guiding principle of our feminist leadership and organizational sustainability,” said Esther S. Davis Yango, Executive Director of WONGOSOL. “This shift will cascade across our network, empowering women-led organizations to thrive in resilience and collective care.”
Board Chairperson Atty. Facia B. Harris stressed that implementation is now key: “Women human rights defenders must be in a well frame of mind to effectively respond to the challenges confronting women’s rights.”
The Wellness Policy aligns with Liberia’s Domestic Violence Act (2019), the Children’s Law (2011), and international frameworks including the Maputo Protocol, CEDAW, and UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Beyond WONGOSOL, the framework will serve as a reference for women’s rights groups across Liberia. The organization is already engaging partners such as UN Women Liberia, Kvinna till Kvinna, ActionAid Liberia, and medica Liberia on plans for a National Conference on Women Leaders’ Health and Wellness.
