-Calls for Action and Inclusivity
By Vaye A. Lepolu and Jessica Cox
Monrovia, Liberia – The Office of Liberia’s Second Lady, Madam Stynleseh Stephenie DaHn-Koung, hosted a landmark conference on the status of women with disabilities under the theme, “Empowering Women with Disabilities through Inclusiveness, Equality, and Action.” The event, held on March 5, 2025, brought together policymakers, advocates, and international partners to address the challenges faced by women with disabilities and to chart a path toward greater inclusion and empowerment.
In her opening remarks, Madam Dahn-Koung emphasized the urgent need for strategic interventions and support for persons with disabilities. She acknowledged the struggles and injustices faced by women with disabilities in Liberia and praised their resilience and unity in advocating for their rights.
“I have heard the sorrows and struggles of persons with disabilities, and it is clear that urgent action is needed,” Madam DaHn-Koung stated. “The courage and unity displayed by women with disabilities inspire me to advocate not only for their rights but for the rights of all women across Liberia.”
The Second Lady stressed that the conference was not merely a platform for recognition but a call to action. “Today is not only for recognition; it is a call for action. We must ensure that the voices of women with disabilities are heard by policymakers, donors, and partners. Only then can we truly understand their struggles, recognize their needs, and create a more inclusive society,” she said.
UN Women Pledges Support for Inclusion
Madam Comfort Lamptey, Country Representative for UN Women Liberia, echoed Madam DaHn-Koung’s sentiments, emphasizing that true equality cannot be achieved without the inclusion of women with disabilities. She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of women with disabilities shape national policies and global advocacy efforts.
“Equality cannot be achieved if women with disabilities are left behind,” Madam Lamptey stated. “We will ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making processes and that barriers to their participation are dismantled. This includes addressing gender-based violence and creating safer, more accessible environments for all.”
Madam Lamptey also pledged UN Women’s continued partnership with the Office of the Second Lady to advance the needs and priorities of women with disabilities in Liberia. “On behalf of UN Women, I pledge our support to shine a light on the importance of addressing the needs of women living with disabilities and ensuring that their rights are advanced in Liberia,” she said.
Participants Highlight Challenges
During the conference, participants shared personal experiences of discrimination and marginalization, shedding light on the systemic barriers faced by women with disabilities in Liberia. Madam Victoria Davis, a participant, highlighted the lack of access to healthcare, transportation, and security services for women with disabilities.
“We are abused and marginalized in every sector of society,” Madam Davis said. “In healthcare, we face neglect from directors and nurses. In the transport sector, commercial vehicle owners often refuse to serve us. Even in security, there is no protection for women with disabilities. The government must conduct awareness campaigns and ensure that service providers are trained to meet our needs.”
Madam Davis also pointed out that persons with disabilities make up 16% of Liberia’s population, yet they remain marginalized in decision-making processes. “We are a significant part of the population, but we are still excluded from critical discussions and services. This must change,” she asserted.
Madam Rose Dargbeh, another participant, called for reforms in the education system to better accommodate persons with disabilities. She urged the government to mandate the teaching of sign language in all educational institutions and to prioritize cross-border education opportunities for women with disabilities.
“We need sign language to be taught in all schools so that the hearing-impaired can fully participate in society,” Madam Dargbeh said. “We also appeal to the government to provide scholarships for women with disabilities to study abroad and return with the skills to contribute to the disability community.”
A Unified Call for Action
The conference concluded with a unified call for action from all stakeholders. Amb. Christine N. Umutoni, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Liberia, commended the courage and perseverance of women with disabilities and emphasized the need for continued advocacy and resource allocation to empower them.
“We must facilitate training, provide resources, and create opportunities for women with disabilities,” Amb. Umutoni said. “Their empowerment is essential for the development of Liberia.”
The Second Lady, Madam DaHn-Koung, reiterated her commitment to holding herself and others accountable for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. “We are here to listen, and when we leave, we must take action. Together, we can advocate for policies that create safer and more accessible environments for all,” she concluded.
