The Ministry of Health (MoH), through its Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, is actively participating in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN Headquarters in New York, from March 10 to 21, 2025.
Quitina Cooper-Davis, Director of the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, is representing the ministry in discussions on advancing women’s health and social inclusion. The session has drawn more than 4,000 participants, including global leaders, policymakers, and activists, to assess progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event coincides with International Women’s Day celebrations and serves as a strategic platform for dialogue on strengthening women’s rights worldwide.
Liberia’s delegation to the CSW is led by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP), with the Ministry of Health playing a key role in highlighting issues such as gender-based violence and inclusive healthcare policies. High-level discussions have emphasized the importance of accessible, gender-responsive healthcare in achieving sustainable development.
A major highlight of Liberia’s participation was an address by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who reflected on the country’s achievements in gender equality while urging renewed efforts to bridge existing gaps. The session also featured side events on gender-based violence, women’s political participation, and economic empowerment, where Liberia’s contributions and challenges were extensively discussed.
Adding a cultural dimension, renowned Liberian artist Miatta Fahnbulleh delivered a performance celebrating African heritage and resilience.
This year’s session marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to advancing gender equality. Discussions have focused on progress made, ongoing challenges, and the need for transformative policies that translate commitments into measurable outcomes. Participants have called on governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies to take concrete steps to eliminate systemic barriers against women and ensure that gender equality becomes a reality.
