GANTA, Nimba County – Twenty women leaders from across four counties have concluded a three-day intensive training program designed to strengthen women’s political participation and decision-making capabilities in Liberia.
The “Raise the Bar Transformative Feminist Leadership Program,” held at Mountain Dew Lodge in Ganta, brought together 10 young women leaders and 10 representatives from civil society organizations and women’s movements from Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, and Montserrado counties.
The program, implemented by the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH) in partnership with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), was supported by UN Women under the project “Advancing women political participation and decision-making through social norms change, Networking and global advocacy.”
“This training represents a critical step toward dismantling the barriers that prevent women from fully participating in Liberia’s democratic processes,” said Atty. Mmonbeydo N. Joah, Executive Director of ORWOCH, during her welcome remarks.
The comprehensive program covered transformative leadership, understanding women’s rights organizations, entrepreneurship, communication strategies, and feminist mobilization. Participants engaged with Liberia’s Local Government Act and examined how decentralization can create opportunities for increased women’s participation at the county level.
A key highlight was the session on feminist movements, where facilitator Cllr. Tonial Wiles referenced Leymah Gbowee’s 2003 peace movement, demonstrating how Liberian women have historically mobilized to create change. The session emphasized the power of collective action in challenging patriarchal systems.
The entrepreneurship component, facilitated by Wainwright Acquoi from TRIBE Liberia, provided comprehensive training on financial management and business sustainability. Participants engaged in financial source mapping exercises, identifying funding opportunities beyond traditional banking, including micro-institutions, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and grant opportunities.
“Finance encompasses more than traditional banking; it includes micro-institutions, grants, and various funding sources,” Acquoi emphasized, encouraging participants to transform problems into profit opportunities.
The session covered practical budgeting strategies, cash flow management, and the importance of separating personal and business finances. Participants also focused on branding and communication, with 75% successfully crafting clear organizational messages, and 35% presenting their messages to the group. The training emphasized building strategic partnerships and leveraging networks to share risks and resources.
One participant, Jocelyn Nyanfore from Grand Gedeh County, shared her personal story about being denied the opportunity to play football as a young woman, illustrating how societal expectations limit women’s potential from an early age.
The program addressed current challenges facing women in governance, including underrepresentation in county assemblies, unclear selection processes, and limited access to decision-making roles. Participants identified strategies for building women’s alliances and leveraging social media to amplify their voices.
As Liberia continues its democratic journey, with women currently holding at least 11% of parliamentary seats, initiatives like this training program are essential for developing the next generation of women leaders who will shape the country’s future.
The training concluded with participants committing to implement new strategies for financial management, community mobilization, and advocacy within their respective organizations and communities.
