Thirty politically active women from Lofa, Nimba, and Bong Counties participated in a four-day Regional Women’s Democracy Education Training, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, civic participation, and influence in addressing key development challenges in their communities.

Held from October 14 to 17, the training is organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) under the UNDP Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), with support from the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden. 

It focuses on priority issues identified by women during a nationwide consultation conducted by NIMD last year, including limited access to quality healthcare, poor and unreliable rural roads, low agricultural productivity, weak support for small-scale farmers, and insufficient assistance for women in trade and small businesses.

Participants include former candidates, county council representatives, leaders of women-led organizations, and civil society advocates—representing both formal and informal political spheres.

In his opening remarks, Cllr. Darren Domah, NIMD Programme Manager, encouraged participants to take ownership of the process and turn knowledge into action.

“This programme focuses on the issues that matter most to women, identified through a nationwide consultation. I encourage you to lead the process of translating theory into meaningful actions within your communities.”

The training builds on the National Issues-Based Consultative Process, which documented recurring socio-economic challenges across all 15 counties of Liberia.

Through interactive sessions, participants analyzed these issues within the broader national development framework and collaboratively developed women-led policy and community solutions.

Madam Beatrice Newland, a Women’s Human Rights Advocate, emphasized the power of sustained advocacy and coalition-building. “When women mobilize around the issues that affect their daily lives, they don’t just seek change—they claim visibility, voice, and political power.”

Participants expressed a renewed commitment to collective action. “We now understand that every social and economic challenge is also a political issue. By organizing and speaking out together, we can influence policies and ensure that women’s priorities are reflected,” said one participant.

Atty. Sondah Geepea-Wilson, a former Representative candidate from Nimba County, underscored the need for continued collaboration beyond the training. “I expect that this training will help us build partnerships and linkages with valuable networks to implement the knowledge gained. We have attended many workshops, but there remain huge gaps in women’s political participation that must be addressed.”

Also addressing participants, Dr. Garfee Williams urged the formation of women’s health committees at the community level to tackle maternal and reproductive health issues, including pregnancy and newborn care.

This third edition of the Regional Women’s Democracy Education Programme brings the total number of trained women leaders to 60 across seven counties—a significant milestone in advancing inclusive governance and women’s political participation in Liberia.

By building democratic knowledge, leadership skills, and inclusive dialogue, NIMD’s Women’s Democracy Education initiative continues to serve as a vital platform for strengthening civic participation and advancing women-led solutions to Liberia’s pressing community and governance challenges.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance. The project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, and the National Elections Commission, with funding support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.