The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has concluded the Western Region phase of the final assessment of Liberia’s Second National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), marking a significant step toward the development of the Third Generation National Action Plan for 2026–2031. The assessment, conducted with support from the Government of Sweden through UN Women, reviewed the implementation of the Second NAP covering the period 2019–2023, with an extension through December 2025. The exercise aimed to assess achievements, identify challenges, and document lessons learned to inform future planning.
The Ministry’s technical team carried out consultations across the Western Region, beginning in Bomi County, moving to Gbarpolu County, and concluding in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County. The team was joined during the process by UN Women Representative, Ms. Ghoma Karloweah, who reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s Women, Peace and Security agenda and emphasized the importance of inclusive, community-driven consultations in shaping a responsive and impactful Third National Action Plan.
The regional assessment brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including county authorities, line ministries, security institutions, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth leaders, and traditional and community leaders. Participants shared perspectives on the implementation of the Second NAP and provided recommendations to strengthen future interventions. Liberia adopted its Second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in 2019 as part of its commitment to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions. The plan sought to enhance women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making, strengthen the protection of women and girls, prevent conflict, and improve coordination and accountability among implementing institutions.
According to the Ministry, the Western Region assessment focused on evaluating what worked, what did not, and the key factors affecting implementation, including coordination mechanisms, institutional capacity, and the availability of resources. Community-level consultations also provided women and youth with a platform to share their experiences and propose practical solutions for improving outcomes under the next action plan. Findings from the Western Region will be consolidated with inputs from other regions as the nationwide assessment continues.
The results will inform the formulation of the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2026–2031), which is expected to build on previous gains, address persistent gaps, and further strengthen Liberia’s commitment to advancing women’s meaningful participation in peace, security, and national development.
