The capacity of the GoL, gender equality advocates and other national stakeholders strengthened to assess progress and accelerate the implementation of continental and global normative and policy frameworks
In 2024, strengthened capacities of the Government of Liberia and national stakeholders led to notable progress in assessing and advancing the implementation of global normative policy obligations for gender equality. With UN Women’s drafting, coordination, and financial support for the final validation workshops, the Government successfully finalized the Beijing+30 Periodic Progress report, the combined 9th and 10th CEDAW State Party report, and the report on the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), reaffirming its commitment to implementing global and regional frameworks for gender equality. Only the Beijing+30 Periodic Progress report was officially submitted, as of the end of 2024.
The Liberia Country Report on Beijing+30 highlights progress across critical sectors, including social protection, health, education, agriculture, digital technology, labor, commerce, governance, women's participation in decision-making, and peace and security. A multi-sectoral technical working session, involving 50 representatives (30 women and 20 men) from government and civil society, strengthened the Government's capacity to monitor progress against the twelve critical areas of concern under the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). This session, held in mid-September 2024 by UN Women and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, facilitated the validation of the Liberia Country Report on Beijing+30 in preparation for the 30th Anniversary of the Fifth World Conference on Women and the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
The combined 9th and 10th Periodic State Party Reports on CEDAW, also validated through a 2-day consultative session held in July 2024, further underscores Liberia’s dedication to addressing gender discrimination and advancing gender equality in line with its international commitments. The CEDAW State Party Report concluded that the Government of Liberia has continued to improve on measures to eliminate discrimination against women, children, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, with advancements in policies, laws, and programs to promote gender equality and equity. However, much still needs to be done to change attitudes, behaviors, and practices that are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. A national consultant was hired by UN Women to support the government with data collection, drafting and validation of the combined 9th and 10th CEDAW State Party report and Maputo Protocol report.
Lastly, in 2024 UN Women facilitated the participation of four representatives (three female, one male) from the Liberian government and civil society at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). A total of 31 participants (28 female, 3 male) represented Liberia at CSW68, including government and civil society representatives. In collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), UN Women also supported a post-CSW68 Working Session to develop a state roadmap to implement its recommendations. The post-CSW68 Stakeholders Meeting set forth a clear and actionable roadmap for advancing gender equality, with a particular focus on addressing the multifaceted challenges that women face, especially in terms of poverty, institutional exclusion, and lack of gender-responsive financing.
Please see:
https://x.com/unwomenliberia/status/1808911392227086347 (CEDAW 9th & 10th Periodic Country Report validation)
https://x.com/unwomenliberia/status/1804206506692481528 (Post-CSW68 stakeholders' consultation)
https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=831469439103737&id=100067220648075 (Beijing+30 Progress Report validation)
UN-Women in Liberia effectively leverages and expands its partnerships, communications and advocacy capabilities to increase support for and financing of the gender equality agenda, while securing sustainable resourcing for the delivery of its own mandate
In 2024, UN Women Liberia effectively leveraged its partnerships and communications efforts to advance the gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE) agenda. This was demonstrated through a series of high-profile joint advocacy events and processes organized in collaboration with the Government and various stakeholders, such as International Women’s Day (IWD) at the Ministerial Complex, the FGM Day event in Lofa County, International Day of Rural Women in Nimba County, and the 16 Days of Activism in Monrovia. These events were strategically chosen to highlight critical issues affecting women and girls in Liberia, providing opportunities for increased awareness, advocacy, and mobilization around gender equality.
Key activities surrounding these events, including media coverage, the Women’s Month Report, support to Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador Press Briefing, and the 16 Days of Activism 2024, exemplify how UN Women has been able to amplify the voices of women and advocate for change. The media coverage of these events ensured wide visibility of the gender equality issues discussed, reaching diverse audiences across Liberia. By producing and distributing reports such as the Women’s Month Report, UN Women was able to track and communicate its contributions and progress on GEWE to stakeholders, fostering transparency and accountability.
In addition to advocacy and communications, UN Women played a key role in organizing high-profile days such as the International Day of Rural Women and the 16 Days of Activism, aligning these events with national priorities and international commitments. These activities created a platform for collaboration with government, civil society, and international partners, showcasing UN Women’s ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to advocate for gender equality at various levels.
By facilitating and supporting such events, UN Women demonstrated its capacity to engage key stakeholders, enhance partnerships, and expand its communications reach. These efforts directly contributed to raising awareness about gender issues, mobilizing resources, and generating support for sustainable financing of the gender equality agenda . Furthermore, these events created opportunities for securing sustainable resourcing for the delivery of UN Women’s mandate by strengthening its credibility as a key player in the GEWE space. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy , UN Women has been able to position itself as a central figure in advancing the gender equality agenda in Liberia.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build and maintain long-term relationships with partners, ensuring continued collaboration and funding to address the gender equality priorities outlined in Liberia’s national policies.
UN-Women in Liberia strategically plans for and transforms its business model to deliver impact at scale, through agile and
ethical leadership rooted in a continuous improvement culture.
In 2024, the Country Office strategically planned and implemented the OEEF and DRF, resulting in a high transformation in delivery and utilization rates. By the end of 2024, the delivery rate reached 84%, and the utilization rate was also 84% indicating strong financial performance and organizational effectiveness. This dynamic model for 2024 focused on new ways of working, new capabilities, and new technologies, which contributed to improving the environment and culture for the safety of women and girls.
With its unique and inclusive culture, UNWomen in Liberia is an employer of choice with a diverse and highly performing cadre of personnel that embodies UN values
The UN Women Liberia office has been able to fill the strategic positions in 2024 such as Planning and Reporting Analyst (P2), Partnership and Coordination Specialist (P3) and two support level positions, Admin Associate (FTA G6) and Procurement Associate (FTA G7) are in the final stage of recruitment.
The CO is also in the process to recruit a National UNV for the sub-office in Zwedru but initially the position will be based at the country office and once the sub-office is officially open, the staff will be transferred there.
UN-Women in Liberia efficiently and effectively discharges of all business processes that advance integrated delivery of its mandate at HQ, Regional and Country levels, including through shared services.
The West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) and the global HQ service center establish standards for program management, operational support, and program prioritization. In Liberia, UN Women efficiently manages business processes to advance integrated delivery at the HQ, regional, and country levels through shared services. The Country Office has also benefited from training support provided by HQ/RO on Quantum. Additionally, IT technical support has been effective, and the Regional Office conducted workshops and trainings to further support Country Offices.