By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA — Liberia’s Minister of National Defence, Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Retd.), has called for the continued prioritization of women’s participation in the country’s security sector, warning that the progress achieved must not be allowed to fade.
Speaking at the launch of a report documenting the legacy of India’s all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU), which served alongside the United Nations Mission in Liberia from 2007 to 2016, the Minister stressed that the inclusion of women in security institutions is not a matter of symbolism but a fundamental requirement for sustainable peace.
“As Liberia continues to strengthen its security institutions, we must preserve the lessons of our peacekeeping experience and ensure that the participation of women in the security sector remains a priority,” Minister George declared before an audience that included government officials, Joint Security forces, United Nations representatives, researchers, and civil society leaders.
The Minister’s remarks come at a critical juncture as Liberia works to consolidate gains made since the end of its devastating civil conflict and to build security institutions that reflect the population they serve.
The launch of the report on India’s all-women FPU, commissioned by the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research, provided the backdrop for Minister George’s appeal. She described the Indian unit’s deployment as a landmark moment that demonstrated the vital role women can play in maintaining peace, protecting communities, strengthening public confidence, and supporting post-conflict recovery.
“Their contribution carried a powerful message to Liberian women and girls: women are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security; they are essential actors in creating, sustaining, and protecting peace,” she said.
The Minister emphasized that the legacy of the Indian FPU extends beyond their nine years of service, forming part of Liberia’s broader journey toward inclusive security institutions and stronger partnerships for peace.
She urged researchers, academicians, policymakers, and security institutions to use the report’s findings to inform future policies and programs on women, peace, and security.
On behalf of the Government of Liberia, Minister George commended the Government and people of India, the United Nations, the members of the Indian FPU, and all Liberian institutions that contributed to the mission’s success. She also praised the Ducor Institute for documenting what she called “an important chapter in Liberia’s peacebuilding history” for present and future generations.
The Minister concluded with a call for renewed commitment to women’s leadership in peace and security. “Sustainable peace is best achieved when women and men work together as equal partners,” she said.
