-To Strengthen Women’s Political Participation
Paynesville, Liberia – The National Young Women Political Council of Liberia (NYWPC) has officially launched the first cohort of the Academy for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment (AWLE), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young women with the skills, knowledge, and mentorship needed to become effective leaders.
The program commenced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Naymote office in Paynesville and continued on April 15 with a Gender-Based Advocacy Training session. The initiative brought together over 20 young women from political parties and civil society organizations.
Providing an overview of the initiative, NYWPC President Laura Korvah described the Academy as a strategic effort to nurture a new generation of women leaders prepared to influence policy, advocate for change, and actively participate in governance.
“The Academy for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment is a strategic investment in Liberia’s future—designed to equip young women with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to lead, influence policy, and drive meaningful change in our society,” she stated.
She further highlighted that the College of Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Liberia supported the development of the Academy’s curriculum on gender, advocacy, and rights, noting that this collaboration contributed significantly to the launch of the program.
Korvah also extended appreciation to Naymote Partners for Democratic Development for their mentorship and support in empowering the NYWPC to successfully launch the first cohort of AWLE.
AWLE is designed to address the persistent gender gap in leadership by offering focused, practical, and high-impact training. The program combines leadership development with gender advocacy education while fostering a supportive network for emerging and active women leaders.
Delivering remarks at the opening session, Madam Luopu Garmi Blackie, Dean of the College of Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Liberia, emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s political participation.
“This training comes at a critical time, as women across Liberia continue to face barriers such as gender stereotypes, limited access to information and networks, intimidation, unequal power dynamics, and resource constraints,” she said.
She added that equipping women with practical advocacy tools will enable them to navigate political spaces with greater confidence and effectiveness.
Madam Blackie also recognized the efforts of key organizations, including the Advancing Young Women’s Leadership and Political Participation in Liberia initiative and the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), for their continued advocacy and commitment to promoting women’s leadership
She commended the organizers for creating a platform to enhance women’s advocacy skills and officially declared the Gender-Based Advocacy Training open.
Also speaking at the event, WONGOSOL Executive Director, Esther S. D. Yango, called on young women to rise into leadership and challenge systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in governance.
“Do not wait to be invited into leadership. Prepare yourself. Step forward and take your place, because Liberia cannot move forward if women are left behind,” Madam Yango urged.
She noted that although women constitute nearly half of Liberia’s population, they occupy only about 11 percent of seats in the National Legislature, underscoring the urgent need for deliberate action to close the gender gap in leadership.
The Academy for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment is expected to play a key role in building a pipeline of empowered women leaders across Liberia through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
The National Young Women Political Council of Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s political participation and leadership through sustained capacity-building initiatives and partnerships
