By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation (KVINNA) has convened its 10th Women’s Consultative Conference, drawing together women leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across Liberia under the theme: “Women’s Wealth and Well-being: Reshaping Systems for Inclusive Partnership and Progress.”
The gathering, now a decade-old tradition, continues to serve as a platform for dialogue on how Liberian women can empower one another and strengthen their role in decision-making at both national and community levels. Representing the Ministry of Gender, Deputy Minister Laura Golakeh underscored the significance of this year’s theme, calling it “timely and transformative.” She stressed that inclusive leadership and women’s economic empowerment are central to Liberia’s growth agenda.
Golakeh outlined how the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) integrates gender equality across its six pillars—Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. From promoting equal access for girls in education to enhancing women’s rights in agriculture and expanding legal protections under the rule of law, she said, Liberia is making strides to place women at the center of development.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted Liberia’s recognition as a Beijing+30 Trailblazer Country, noting that while progress has been made in women’s representation in executive and appointed positions, challenges remain in elected offices. Women currently hold about 26–30% of ministerial roles, but occupy only 10.7% of legislative seats and roughly 11% of statutory positions.
Key government initiatives were also outlined, including the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), the REALISE Project, and expanded efforts to reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by 50 percent by 2029. Guest speaker, Representative Ellen Attoh Wreh of District #3 Margibi County presented forward-looking strategies to advance women’s leadership and well-being. She called for policy reforms, increased investment in education and STEM for girls, quotas for women in leadership roles, mental health support, and greater use of technology to amplify women’s voices.
In additiona she renewed call for solidarity and systemic change. “Redefining power,” participants emphasized, must mean breaking barriers, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that wealth, well-being, and leadership become rights for all, not privileges for a few. She also renewed calls for concrete reforms and inclusive strategies to advance women’s rights, education, and well-being in Liberia, stressing that the “future is now” and must be met with bold action.
Speaking at a national women’s consultative platform, Representative Attoh Wreh highlighted the urgent need to implement reforms that would guarantee greater female representation in the legislature and other decision-making spaces. Liberia currently has only 11 female lawmakers, a figure described as “far below the standard for a thriving democracy.”
She emphasized four key priorities: enhancing education and self-development, promoting women’s well-being and mental health, leveraging technology and innovation for empowerment, and building strong partnerships across government, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
“Women are not asking for favors; they are asking for opportunities. Inclusion must be intentional, systematic, and legal,” Representative Ellen Wreh told the forum, underscoring the importance of amending electoral laws to expand women’s political participation.
The discussions also centered on creating safe spaces for women to be heard without fear of bullying, stigma, or shame, and integrating mental health services into workplaces and communities. Participants stressed that empowering women requires building confidence and resilience while ensuring equal access to digital tools and innovation. Speakers drew from personal experiences to illustrate the challenges women face in politics and professional life, but also shared stories of progress and global recognition.
They called on Liberian leaders to support reforms that would create a more inclusive society, where women, youth, and persons with disabilities are fully represented. “Inclusion is not charity; it is a necessity,” a participant concluded. “If women are empowered, they will in turn empower others, and Liberia will be stronger for it.” she stated.
