-By CHRD, ActionAid Empower
By Vaye A. Lepolu
MONROVIA – A new wave of political leadership is emerging in Liberia as 50 young women gathered at the YMCA in Crown Hill for a two-day intensive training program on political participation and governance. The “Building People Power” initiative, organized by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development (CHRD) and ActionAid Liberia, aims to transform the country’s political landscape by equipping young women with essential leadership skills.
The June 19-20 workshop comes at a critical time for Liberia, where only one woman holds a top leadership position for every seven men. Participants engaged in sessions covering political organizing, campaign strategy, and governance fundamentals – skills desperately needed to address the nation’s stark gender imbalance in decision-making roles.
“Events like this create pathways for women to claim their rightful place in Liberia’s political future,” said Dr. Kerstin Jonsson Cisse, Chargé d’Affaires of the Swedish Embassy, which supports the program through Christian Consultancy. “When we exclude women from leadership, we’re effectively governing with one hand tied behind our nation’s back.”
The initiative has drawn strong international backing, with diplomats drawing parallels to historic liberation movements: South African Ambassador Iqbal Jhazbhay reflected on West Africa’s activist legacy: “The 1950s-60s renaissance shows us how small, dedicated groups can transform societies. Today’s young women are continuing that tradition of change-making.”
Cuban Ambassador Indria Lopez emphasized education’s role: “Empowered women create empowered nations. When we teach a girl to lead, we’re planting seeds for generations of progress.”
Participants discussed overcoming barriers including:
– Limited access to political networks
– Gender-based violence in politics
– Economic disadvantages
– Cultural stereotypes
“The statistics are sobering, but the determination in this room gives me hope,” said one 22-year-old participant from Monrovia. “We’re not just learning about politics – we’re learning how to change the system itself.”
The program forms part of broader efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal of gender parity in political participation by 2030. With continued support from Sweden and other international partners, organizers plan to expand the initiative nationwide.
As Ambassador Lopez noted: “This isn’t just about seats in government – it’s about rebuilding Liberia from the ground up, with women at the heart of that transformation.”
