Liberia Marks International Day of Women in Diplomacy, Strengthening Commitments to Gender-Responsive Foreign Policy and Women’s Leadership

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in partnership with UN Women Liberia, today commemorated the International Day of Women in Diplomacy under the theme “Empowering Women in Diplomacy for Inclusive Leadership and Sustainable Peace.”

Bringing together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, students, grassroots organizations, and media representatives, the event highlighted the critical role of women in shaping foreign policy, promoting peace, and advancing inclusive leadership at national, regional, and global levels.

This year’s commemoration deliberately moved beyond dialogue to action, anchored in Liberia’s validated Gender-Responsive Foreign Policy (GRFP) Roadmap and draft strategy, the findings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gender Equality Assessment, and Liberia’s commitments under international and regional human rights frameworks. A key focus of the event was mentorship—investing in the next generation of Liberian women diplomats while advancing institutional reforms that address barriers to women’s leadership in diplomacy.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ethel Davis, reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to gender equality and women’s leadership within the foreign service.

“This Ministry’s own Gender Equality Assessment has given us a clear roadmap: expanding our Gender Desk into a full Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, finalizing our HR Policy, and establishing a Women in Diplomacy Network to mentor the next generation of female diplomats. We are not waiting to be told where the gaps are. We have measured them ourselves, and we are acting on what we found,” she said.

In his remarks, UN Women Liberia Country Representative, Mr. Abul Hasnat Monjurul Kabir, acknowledged the persistent underrepresentation of women in positions of power and diplomacy globally while recognizing Liberia’s unique legacy of women’s leadership in peacebuilding.

“Women played a pivotal role in advancing peace, helping to bring an end to years of conflict and contributing to the foundations of the peace that the country continues to build upon today. The adoption of the Gender-Responsive Foreign Policy Strategy will be an important milestone, but implementation will be where lasting change is achieved,” he stated.

A key highlight of the event was a reflection session led by Ambassador Vivienne T. Wreh, former Ambassador of Liberia, who shared personal experiences navigating the diplomatic profession, evolving gender norms, and breaking barriers within international institutions.

Participants also engaged in a dynamic Mentorship Café: “Ask a Diplomat,” which connected aspiring young women with distinguished women leaders and practitioners in diplomacy, governance, peacebuilding, and international affairs. The interactive session featured Ambassador Marjon Kamara, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mrs. Dorothy Kwennah Toomann, Consultant at Development Education Network Liberia; Madam Esther S. Davis Yango, Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL); Madam Medina Wesseh of the International Law Group; and Madam Olubanke King Akerele, former Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Through open dialogue and mentorship, participants explored pathways into diplomatic careers, leadership in peace and security, multilateral diplomacy, gender-responsive foreign policy, and opportunities within international organizations.

The event is expected to contribute to increased awareness among young women and girls of career opportunities in diplomacy and international affairs, while strengthening understanding of the national, regional, and international frameworks that support women’s equal participation in decision-making. It also fostered new mentorship relationships between aspiring women leaders and experienced diplomats, helping to strengthen the pipeline of future women leaders within Liberia’s Foreign Service.

The commemoration concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to advance women’s leadership and representation in diplomacy and foreign policy decision-making, reinforcing Liberia’s position as Africa’s first country to commit to a Feminist Foreign Policy approach and its ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable, and peaceful society.