Irish Parliamentary Delegation Visits Grand Bassa to Witness Impact of Women’s Leadership and Peacebuilding Initiative

UN Women Liberia, in collaboration with its project partners, Sister Aid Liberia (SALI),  Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), and Women Rights Watch facilitated a mission for a delegation from the Irish Parliament and the Embassy of Ireland in Liberia under the Irish-funded Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding Project.

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to witness how Ireland's support is contributing to concrete gains in women's leadership, local governance, conflict mediation, civic engagement, and community peacebuilding. Since 2021, the project has supported women leaders, Peace Hut members, male champions, local authorities, and women-led civil society organizations to strengthen women's participation in decision-making and peacebuilding structures.

The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to engage directly with women leaders, Peace Hut members, male champions, local authorities, and community actors who have benefited from and contributed to the project's implementation.

The Irish delegation received a warm welcome at the Edina Peace Hut through traditional songs, clapping, and the presentation of kola nuts, led by community leader Edward Smith the town chief and J William Tarr Town Chief for Little Bassa.

The visit commenced with presentations by Esther Davis Yango, Executive Director of WONGOSOL, and Miatta Darwolor, Executive Director of Sister Aid Liberia, who provided an overview of the project's evolution from Strengthening Women's Leadership in Politics and Peacebuilding to its current phase, Strengthening Women's Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding, highlighting achievements  since its inception in 2021.

The delegation also met with the National Peace Hut leadership and representatives of the four Peace Huts operating in Grand Bassa County: Edina, WIPNET, Little Bassa, and Gbointarr Town, reflecting the growing role of Peace Huts in promoting dialogue, mediation, and community peacebuilding. Peace Huts in Liberia grew from the traditional Palava Hut system, where community disputes were historically resolved by male elders. After the civil war, women established Peace Huts as spaces to lead reconciliation efforts, mediate local disputes, support survivors of violence and refer cases, and promote women's participation in peacebuilding and public life.

Following the delegation met with Project target groups on how the project has strengthened women's leadership in local governance, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and violence prevention in Grand Bassa County and across the wider program.

Nancy T. Bryant, Leader of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Grand Bassa County and County Council Chairperson, reflected on the transformative impact of the training she received through the project. "Accessing the training under this project made me realize that I have value and that my input matters in decision-making."

She explained that the confidence gained through the training helped her overcome shyness and become more outspoken in public spaces. This newfound confidence motivated her to contest for the position of County Council Chairperson. Despite competing in a male-dominated environment, she successfully won the election.

Grand Bassa County has recorded significant progress in women's leadership. Women in leadership positions increased from 12 to 18, representing a 50 per cent increase. Women now hold 56 per cent of County Council seats, 50 per cent of city mayor positions, and an increasing share of traditional leadership positions, demonstrating the impact of sustained investment in women's participation in decision-making.

Isaac B. Williams, District Commissioner and participant in the Positive Masculinity Training, described his personal journey toward becoming a champion for gender equality.

"We believed that men were the roosters of society. We did not consider women during gatherings. If they raised their hands to speak, we denied them the opportunity." 

He noted that the training challenged these beliefs and transformed his perspective. Today, he actively supports his wife's economic empowerment and encourages women's participation in leadership and decision-making processes.

The project's engagement with male traditional and statutory leaders has been an important part of this progress, helping to shift social norms and strengthen support for women's leadership and participation in community governance.

The mission also provided an opportunity to identify practical lessons, emerging priorities, and areas where continued support can further strengthen women's participation in decision-making and peacebuilding structures at both local and national levels.

Since 2021, with support from the Government of Ireland, UN Women Liberia has implemented a multi-year initiative aimed at promoting women's participation in politics, public life, local governance, and peacebuilding. The Strengthening Women's Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding Project builds on earlier investments in women candidates, Peace Hut members, community mobilizers, women-led civil society organizations, and local leadership structures.

Women's representation in leadership has improved steadily in recent years. Across the six project counties, the initiative has contributed to a 44 per cent increase in the number of women serving in leadership positions, with 95 women now holding leadership roles at community and local government levels. The project has reached nearly 1,590 people and supported Peace Hut members in resolving more than 58 mediation cases, including land disputes, domestic violence, child support, leadership disputes, and election-related tensions.

At the national level, women currently hold 42.1 per cent of ministerial positions (8 of 19 ministers), 31.9 per cent of deputy minister positions (22 of 69), and 26 per cent of assistant minister positions (26 of 108). At the local level, women hold approximately 12 per cent of appointed local government positions, 8 per cent of chieftaincy positions, increase from 8% and 5% respectively, in 2023. 

Members of the Irish delegation expressed their appreciation for the progress achieved through the partnership.

Cathy Bennett TD emphasized the importance of engaging men as allies in advancing gender equality.

"Behind every successful woman is a supportive man. Men must continue stepping up to support women in their leadership roles and contribute to creating a more equal society."

Closing the delegation's remarks, Senator Joe O'Reilly highlighted the visible impact of the initiative on both women and men in the community.

"I can see the difference this project has made in the women who have spoken today, and I can see the changes in the men as well. Society performs better when people are equal. You should be very proud of what you have achieved. The people of Ireland are delighted to be connected to the important work you are doing."

The visit underscored the importance of sustained investment in women's leadership and community-based peacebuilding as essential drivers of inclusive governance, social cohesion, and sustainable development in Liberia. Cathy Bennett TD emphasized the importance of engaging men as allies in advancing gender equality.

"Behind every successful woman is a supportive man. Men must continue stepping up to support women in their leadership roles and contribute to creating a more equal society."

Closing the delegation's remarks, Senator Joe O'Reilly highlighted the visible impact of the initiative on both women and men in the community.

"I can see the difference this project has made in the women who have spoken today, and I can see the changes in the men as well. Society performs better when people are equal. You should be very proud of what you have achieved. The people of Ireland are delighted to be connected to the important work you are doing."

The visit highlighted the results achieved through the long-term partnership between the Government of Ireland, UN Women, and local civil society organizations. Through sustained investment in Peace Huts, women leaders, male champions, and local governance structures, the project has strengthened women's participation in decision-making and peacebuilding while supporting more inclusive and responsive local governance.