UN Women and Partners Convene National Forum to Advance Women’s Political Participation Ahead of Liberia’s 2029 Elections

More than 200 women political aspirants from the 15 counties convened in Paynesville on 27 May 2026 for the National Networking and Experience-Sharing Forum for Women Political Aspirants, a platform aimed at strengthening women’s political leadership and participation ahead of the 2029 elections.

The forum, organized by Sister Aid Liberia  in partnership with UN Women Liberia under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, brought together aspiring women leaders, elected officials, former candidates, appointed leaders, women’s networks, and electoral stakeholders to promote peer learning, mentorship, networking, and practical dialogue on women’s political participation in Liberia. The Liberia Electoral Support Project, which is supported by the European Union, Ireland and Sweden, is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy. 

Liberia continues to face significant underrepresentation of women in political leadership. Women currently occupy only 11 of 103 seats in the National Legislature, representing 10.7 per cent of total representation. Persistent barriers, including limited access to financing and political networks, public visibility, and violence against women in elections and politics, continue to hinder women’s full participation in political processes.

A recent nationwide mapping and survey supported by UN Women and implemented through Sister Aid Liberia identified women who are interested in potentially contesting public office across the 15 counties. This highlighted strong interest among women in legislative leadership, alongside concerns related to campaign financing, intimidation, limited political networks, and access to information and mentorship.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government, Hon. Laura Golakeh, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to advancing women’s political participation and encouraged women aspirants to continue stepping forward for leadership and public service.

Speaking on behalf of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, Hon. Moima Briggs Mensah, Representative, Bong County Electoral District #6, delivered a message of solidarity and encouragement to women aspirants.

“The Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia stands with every woman who is ready to lead. When women are represented, families and communities benefit through stronger schools, better healthcare, and more responsive leadership. To every woman considering public office: believe in your voice, put your name forward, and know that you are not alone. We will stand with you every step of the way,” she said.

Senator Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence called for more intentional support for women candidates and collective action to close the gender gap in leadership and decision-making spaces.

“Let us intentionally support winnable women candidates to ensure women emerge victorious. Men have done this consistently over the years, and that is one of the reasons there remains such a significant gap between men and women in leadership and decision-making spaces,” she stated.

Commissioner Josephine Kou Gaye of the National Elections Commission stressed the importance of strengthening legal and policy frameworks to advance women’s representation in governance and leadership. 

Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor highlighted structural inequalities within political party systems as a major challenge to women’s political participation.

“Until women are given equal opportunities within party leadership and nomination processes, achieving balanced representation in leadership will remain a challenge,” she noted.

The forum featured a high-level panel discussion entitled “Navigating Political Leadership: Women’s Experiences and Influence in Liberia,” where  panelists shared reflections on navigating political spaces, leadership experiences, and overcoming barriers facing women in politics.

The afternoon session focused on practical aspects of political participation, including campaign financing, candidate registration, voter engagement, political party structures, and prevention of violence against women in elections and politics. Participants also engaged in peer networking and discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration and solidarity among women aspirants across the country.

The forum marks the beginning of a sequenced series of engagements under the Liberia Electoral Support Project to support women aspirants through mentorship, leadership development, networking, advocacy, and continued capacity strengthening ahead of the 2029 elections.

Yemi Falayajo, Deputy Representative of UN Women Liberia, underscored the importance of sustained and early engagement with women aspiring to leadership.

“More women in leadership strengthens democracy and helps ensure decisions better reflect the realities and priorities of women, families, and communities across Liberia,” she said.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project supports national institutions and processes to promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance in Liberia. The project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy in cooperation with the National Elections Commission (NEC), with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.