Ministry of National Defense and UN Women Launch Project to Strengthen Women’s Role in Liberia’s Armed Forces and Global Peacekeeping

The Ministry of National Defense and UN Women Liberia have launched a new two-year project under the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) to strengthen women’s participation and leadership within the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and increase the number of Liberian women eligible for deployment to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The EIF-supported initiative will introduce targeted measures to remove systemic barriers affecting women in the AFL. Activities include enhanced national recruitment efforts, capacity-building programmes for women currently in service, and expanded access to reproductive and mental health services. The project will also strengthen mechanisms addressing sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment within the force.

Speaking on behalf of UN Women Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey, Deputy Country Representative Yemi Falayajo underscored the broader significance of the initiative.
“By addressing structural barriers and improving conditions for women in uniform, the Elsie Initiative Fund is helping to create a more inclusive, capable and representative security sector,” she said. “UN Women is proud to partner with the Ministry of National Defense and the AFL to ensure that Liberian women have the opportunity and institutional support needed to serve, lead, and contribute fully to global peace and security.”

Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Moima Briggs Mensah, Representative of Bong County District Six, described the launch as the result of strategic partnership and sustained commitment to gender-inclusive security. She emphasized that the initiative will expand space for women to lead and serve within the military hierarchy.

Minister of National Defense, Retired Brig. General Geraldine George-Johnson, acknowledged ongoing reforms within the AFL but noted that progress for women has been slower than desired.
“The project aligns with national priorities and will expand training for women in peacekeeping operations over the next two years,” she said.

UN Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni praised the collaboration between the Ministry and UN Women, highlighting that the project’s impact extends beyond the direct support of the fund. She emphasized that its implementation will contribute to strengthening public trust and advancing inclusive security across Liberia.

Currently, women make up 7.5% of AFL personnel—below the representation levels in other national security entities, such as the Liberia National Police (19%) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (15%). The project aims to help the Ministry of National Defense increase women’s representation in the AFL to 15% within two years, driven by an intensified national recruitment campaign.

Beyond recruitment, the EIF initiative will bolster support for women already serving in the AFL. This includes strengthening the Gender and Social Inclusion Department and updating policies related to recruitment, retention, whistleblowing, and the prevention of sexual harassment and exploitation.

The project reinforces Liberia’s commitments under international frameworks including UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and its obligations toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).