By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — Liberia is making significant strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as President Joseph Boakai highlighted the importance of gender parity in the country’s governance structure.
In his second State of the Nation Address on January 27, 2025, President Boakai detailed the meaningful progress his administration has made across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on increasing women’s representation in both local and national government positions.
The President reported that women currently occupy 35 percent of top decision-making roles in ministerial and superintendent positions. He underscored the necessity of prioritizing women’s leadership to foster a more inclusive governance framework.
“Our government is committed to upholding gender sensitivity,” President Boakai stated, acknowledging the vital contributions women make to nation-building when allowed to serve in higher authority. He emphasized that promoting women in leadership roles is essential for achieving greater gender diversity, addressing inequality, and harnessing the unique perspectives and talents women bring to leadership.
At 72, President Boakai noted that countries prioritizing women in leadership often experience benefits such as increased innovation, investment, and improved governance. He reiterated that the ARREST Agenda aligns with global frameworks, including the SDGs, and aims to enhance women’s roles in politics and decision-making.
As Liberia embarks on this ambitious journey, the President called on citizens to unite under the shared commitment to “THINK LIBERIA, LOVE LIBERIA, AND BUILD LIBERIA.”
The ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (2025-2029) is a comprehensive framework designed to address Liberia’s development challenges and create sustainable opportunities for growth, particularly for women. This agenda reflects the voices of Liberians from diverse backgrounds and aims to achieve inclusive, equitable, and resilient progress for the nation.
Since taking office last year, President Boakai has demonstrated resilience and dedication to women’s empowerment, ensuring significant representation of women within his administration. Key positions, including ministerial and local government roles, are increasingly filled by women, highlighting a shift towards gender equity.
President Boakai emphasized that investing in women and accelerating their progress is crucial for inspiring and empowering the next generation of female leaders. “Female role models can break down stereotypes, challenge traditional gender norms, and demonstrate that women are just as capable and qualified as men to lead,” he said.
The President also stressed the necessity of gender parity at all levels of government, asserting that parity is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for democracy, justice, and progress. He cautioned that true parity cannot be achieved if women remain trapped in hostile, disrespectful, and discriminatory environments.
In the pursuit of equality and women’s empowerment, the President highlighted the critical role of education as a catalyst for change. Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and discrimination. However, gender disparities persist, particularly in access to education, with millions of girls still being denied their right to learn.
Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach that tackles structural barriers and challenges deeply entrenched social norms and attitudes. As Liberia moves forward, the commitment to gender equity and women’s empowerment remains a cornerstone of the nation’s development strategy.
