National Peace Hut Election

Women Peacebuilders Elect New National Peace Hut Leadership in Transparent and Peaceful Process

Totota, Bong County — 13 December 2025. Women members of Peace Huts from across all 15 counties gathered at the Totota Peace Hut in Bong County to elect a new National Peace Hut Leadership, marking the first leadership renewal since 2019. The election represents an important milestone in strengthening women-led peacebuilding, community mediation, and social cohesion across Liberia.

The initiative was supported by the Governments of Ireland and Sweden, with technical and logistical assistance from UN Women Liberia; in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, and Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, the election brought together Peace Hut representatives to reinforce democratic governance, accountability, and inclusive leadership within the network. The process also served as an opportunity to further popularize the newly developed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), with the support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund that will guide Peace Hut operations across the country.

The newly elected leaders are: Madam Velma P. Sajery (President), Madam Esther Dolo (Vice President), Madam Mamie Varjolo (Secretary), Madam Hawa Isango (Financial Secretary), and Madam Annie Y. Merchant (Chaplain).

Independent observer Krubo Flomo, Social Worker at MGCSP Bong County, commended the peaceful conduct of the polls:

“The Ministry’s role was not only to observe but to encourage women to see leadership as service to their communities. The election was peaceful and transparent, and when the results were announced, everyone celebrated with joy — even candidates who did not win.”

D. Mulbah K’anglai, who served as Chair of the Election Commission, emphasized the commitment of Peace Hut members to credible and inclusive leadership:

“I witnessed firsthand how peaceful and transparent the process was. The new leadership will move the organization forward by embracing new ideas and encouraging Peace Hut women to advance collectively.”

In addition to the election, participants took part in structured orientation and capacity-building sessions focused on democratic leadership and internal governance. The induction prepared the newly elected leaders for their roles, strengthened accountability within the network, and supported smooth leadership transition and coordination at national and county levels. The sessions also helped familiarize participants with the Peace Hut Standard Operating Procedures, developed with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, which will guide Peace Hut operations nationwide.

For more than a decade, Peace Huts have played a critical role in preventing and mediating community conflict, supporting survivors of violence, and advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding, local governance and political processes. Renewing leadership ensures the network remains effective, unified, and aligned with its mission of community-driven peacebuilding and women’s leadership.

UN Women Liberia remains committed to supporting Peace Huts through technical, logistical, and communication assistance, and to strengthening women’s leadership and community resilience throughout Liberia.