Speech for International Women’s Day 2026

Your Excellency,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of Government,
Representatives of civil society, development partners and the private sector,
Distinguished women and girls of Liberia,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is my honour to join you today for the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for inviting the United Nations family to stand in solidarity with the women and girls of Liberia on this important day.

Today, we celebrate under the global theme “Give to Gain” and the national theme “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development.” These themes remind us that investing in women is not an act of charity—it is a strategic investment in a nation’s stability, prosperity and future.

Before I make my own remarks as the representative of the secretary General in Liberia I would like to read his message for IWD 2026  and I quote 

The Secretary-General

Message on International Women’s Day

8 March 2026

This year’s International Women’s Day focuses on rights, action and justice for all women and girls.

Worldwide, women hold just 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men.

Legal discrimination can shape every aspect of a woman’s life. She may be prevented from owning property, seeking a divorce, or taking a job without her husband’s permission. In more than 40 countries, marital rape is not recognized as a crime. Other laws restrict women’s access to education, their ability to pass on citizenship to their children, or even their freedom of movement outside the home.

Where legal protections do exist, discrimination and weak enforcement mean women still struggle to access courts and legal support.

Many of these unjust laws have been on the books for centuries. But today, we are also witnessing a dangerous new trend. Amid rising authoritarianism, growing political instability, and a renewed push to entrench patriarchy, hard-won advances are being rolled back — from fairer work protections to sexual and reproductive rights.

We must unite to deliver on the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Beijing+30 Action Agenda. By fighting discriminatory laws and practices — and defending the progress already achieved — we can ensure the dignity, opportunity and freedom all women deserve.

When we are not equal under the law, we are not equal. It is time to make justice a reality for women and girls, everywhere.

* *** *

And now Let make a few observation to day as we celebrate IWD

Honouring the achievements of Liberian women

International Women’s Day offers us a moment to honour the remarkable leadership of Liberian women—women who have shaped the nation’s history and continue to shape its future.

Liberian women have been at the forefront of peacebuilding and reconciliation, at the frontlines of communities during crisis, and at the centre of efforts to drive social and economic development. Their contributions—often made quietly, courageously and consistently—remain pillars of Liberia’s progress.

Recognizing persistent barriers

Yet even as we celebrate, we must confront the realities that many women and girls continue to face:

• Economic inequality that limits women’s autonomy and opportunities
• Gender-based violence, including violence against women in politics and elections
• Underrepresentation in leadership and decision-making spaces
• Limited access to justice, financial resources, and essential services

These barriers do not only hold back women—they hold back families, communities, and the entire nation.

A global call for rights, justice and action

This year’s global observance takes place as the world prepares for the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, with a strong focus on Rights, Justice and Action for all women and girls.

As the UN Secretary-General reminds us, women globally still hold just 64% of the legal rights enjoyed by men. Too many laws continue to restrict women’s ability to own property, pursue education, access justice, pass citizenship to their children, or even move freely.

And in many places—including more than 40 countries—marital rape is still not recognized as a crime.

At a time when authoritarianism is rising and hard-won gains are at risk, we must remain vigilant. We must safeguard progress and resist any rollback of women’s rights, including sexual and reproductive rights

Because when women are not equal under the law, they are not equal—period.

Partnership for progress in Liberia

The United Nations is proud of its strong partnership with the Government of Liberia and with women’s groups across the country.

Together, we are supporting:

• Women’s leadership and political participation, including efforts to end violence against women in elections and politics
• Economic empowerment initiatives to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs
• Protection systems that prevent and respond to violence against women and girls
• Community-level programmes that shift harmful norms and promote positive masculinities

This work is only possible because of the combined strength of government, civil society, development partners, traditional leaders and communities.

Give to Gain: Supporting women for national development

The national theme—“Support Women for National Development”—is a powerful reminder that Liberia’s trajectory depends on its women. When women thrive, families thrive; when women lead, communities prosper; when women are safe, nations grow stronger.

Today, let us recommit to:

• Removing discriminatory laws and practices
• Expanding women’s access to justice
• Supporting women’s full participation in leadership
• Ending gender-based violence in all forms
• Investing in education, skills and economic empowerment for women and girls

This is how Liberia will accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and the promise of Beijing+30.

Closing

To the women and girls of Liberia:
Your resilience inspires us. Your leadership strengthens us. Your voices guide the nation forward. The United Nations stands with you—as a partner, an advocate and an unwavering champion of your rights.

Let us work together to build a Liberia—and a world—where every woman and every girl enjoys the dignity, justice and opportunity she deserves.

Happy International Women’s Day 2026.
Thank you.