Women leaders representing Liberia’s 13 registered political parties have completed the Women’s Democracy School, emerging with renewed confidence, strengthened leadership skills, and a shared commitment to advancing women's political participation and inclusive democratic governance across the country.

The five-day intensive leadership programme, implemented by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, equipped twenty-six participants with practical tools to influence policy, strengthen their roles within political parties, and advocate for reforms that respond to the needs of women and communities nationwide.

Managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and NIMD, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing the structural barriers that continue to limit women's participation in political leadership and decision-making.

Opening the training on Friday July 20, 2026, Cllr. Darren L. Domah, Programme Manager of NIMD Liberia, encouraged participants to place community priorities, particularly those affecting women, at the center of their political engagement.

"When you want to become politicians, you can use the issues affecting women across the country as your political strategies, to engage people to vote for you," he said. He also underscored the importance of solidarity among women leaders.

"Support is not always about giving money; it is also about encouraging one another, sharing knowledge, and creating the confidence for every woman to speak," Cllr. Domah added.

The programme further highlighted the critical link between women's empowerment and national development. During discussions on governance and political participation, Professor George Wisner of AME University stressed that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without investing in women's advancement.

"Nobody can talk about improving the economy without improving the conditions of women," he said.

Addressing one of the most persistent barriers to women's political participation, discussions on the cost of politics challenged participants to harness their lived experiences as powerful tools for leadership and advocacy. 

Facilitator Dr. Aaron Weah urged women leaders to build alliances beyond party affiliations and champion issues that unite rather than divide.

"The high cost of politics continues to limit women's participation. Women must use their lived experiences to promote issue-based advocacy and work across party lines to advance inclusive leadership," Dr. Weah said.

For many participants, the Democracy School represented more than a leadership training programme. It served as a transformative space for learning, networking, and personal growth.

Williette P. Cooper, Vice Chairperson for National Election Affairs of the Liberty Party, described the experience as a turning point in her political journey.

"For the first time, I participated in a training that focused not only on the barriers women face, but on practical solutions that strengthen our ability to lead, connect with constituents, and compete effectively in politics. The school broadened my understanding of how agriculture, trade, health, and integrity are essential to effective political leadership. It has strengthened my confidence and equipped me to serve more effectively," she said.

Despite Liberia's democratic progress, women remain underrepresented in political institutions and often face significant obstacles, including limited access to leadership opportunities, financial constraints, and unequal political participation. 

The Democracy School was designed to confront these challenges by creating a platform where women leaders can build the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to drive meaningful change.

Through expert-led discussions, peer learning, and practical exercises, participants explored critical topics including constitutional democracy, ethical leadership, electoral reform, issue-based political engagement, women's political participation, the cost of politics, and the growing role of social media in democratic discourse.

At the heart of the programme was a call to move beyond personality-driven politics and toward leadership grounded in solutions to the issues that matter most to citizens.

As the programme concluded, participants left with enhanced leadership capacities, stronger networks across political divides, and practical strategies to advocate for greater representation of women in decision-making spaces.

The Women’s Democracy School demonstrates that empowering women leaders is not only a matter of equality but a foundational investment in stronger democratic institutions, more responsive governance, and a more inclusive future for Liberia. 

By equipping women with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to lead, the initiative is helping to build a political landscape where diverse voices shape national development and democratic progress.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project continues to support institutions and processes that strengthen inclusive, participatory, and accountable democratic governance, ensuring that more women have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Liberia's political future.