Monrovia, Liberia- The Ministry of Justice’s Gender Social Inclusion Unit (GSIU), in partnership with U.N. Women and various local and international stakeholders, has officially launched its comprehensive Gender Policy and Five-Year Action Plan.
The event, held in Ganta, Nimba County, brought together local government officials, security personnel, and legal practitioners from across the region to mark a pivotal moment in advancing gender equality and social inclusion within Liberia’s justice sector.
The launch on October 16, 2024, in Monrovia marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout of the Gender Policy, which will be implemented across all 15 political subdivisions of Liberia.
The policy is divided into four key regions: Region One (Grand Bassa, Margibi, Rivercess, Sinoe); Region Two (Bong, Lofa, Nimba); Region Three (Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Gbarpolu); and Region Four (Grand Gedeh, Rivergee, Maryland, Grand Kru).
The initiative aims to empower women, ensure gender equality, and foster greater social inclusion within Liberia’s justice sector.
The Gender Policy seeks to establish widespread awareness of gender issues, provide training on gender mainstreaming, and integrate these principles into the daily operations of Ministry of Justice offices at the county level.
Madam Maude Somah, Director of the GSIU, emphasized that the primary focus of the policy rollout would be to foster ownership of the policy among Ministry staff while empowering county authorities.
The plan includes integrating gender-sensitive practices across the justice sector, training stakeholders, and monitoring the policy’s implementation to ensure its success at regional and county levels.
Additionally, the initiative aims to promote dialogue on gender equality, women’s rights, and social inclusion throughout the country.
The event in Ganta attracted key figures from the justice and security sectors, including Nimba County Solicitor Atty. Habakkuk D. Gono, who expressed strong support for the initiative.
He commended the Ministry for launching the Gender Policy and emphasized prioritizing gender inclusion through adequate budget allocation.
He also pledged the county’s commitment to supporting the GSIU’s initiatives across government institutions.
In his remarks during the official launch, Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh underscored the importance of the Gender Policy as a critical tool for the country’s sustained recovery and legal reform efforts.
Minister Tweh noted that the policy would play a vital role in rebuilding Liberia’s legal infrastructure while ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and accessible to all citizens, regardless of gender.
The launch event was attended by representatives from key government ministries, including the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and National Defense.
International partners such as the Swedish Embassy, UNDP, USAID, U.N. Women, ECOWAS, and Plan International were also present, all committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts in achieving gender equality and social inclusion.
When fully rolled out across Liberia’s 15 counties, the Gender Policy and Five-Year Action Plan is expected to significantly enhance public awareness of gender issues, strengthen the capacity of justice sector staff, and promote equality and fairness throughout the legal system.
The successful implementation of the policy will be a milestone in Liberia’s continued progress toward creating a more inclusive, just, and equal society for all.
