Influential male leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society actors from several counties have gathered in Ganta City, Nimba County, for a two-day regional dialogue aimed at challenging harmful gender norms and promoting stronger participation of women in leadership and governance.The dialogue, organized by the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) in partnership with the UN Women and the Government of Ireland, seeks to mobilize male leaders to become champions of gender equality and women’s political participation across Liberia.The event, held at Pherena Hall in Ganta, brought together local government officials, chiefs, religious leaders, civil society representatives, and development partners from Nimba, Lofa, Grand Gedeh among others.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on behalf of Ganta City Mayor Samuel Hardt, Administrative Assistant Africanus Dolo welcomed participants and praised the organizers for choosing Ganta as the venue for what he described as a “prestigious and important dialogue.”“Leadership should not only be centered on men,” Dolo said. “We the men must change our mindset and help mobilize influential women who will shape the future of our country through transformational development.”He emphasized that Liberia’s progress depends heavily on the inclusion of women in political and community leadership, noting that Nimba County has already made strides in empowering women in governance.Providing an overview of the program, WONGOSOL Executive Director Esther Davis Yango said the dialogue forms part of the “Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding” project supported by the Government of Ireland.
According to Yango, the initiative aims to increase women’s participation, influence, and visibility in decision-making processes at the local level across Liberia.“Women in Liberia play extraordinary roles in building peace and strengthening communities,” she noted. “However, despite their contributions, they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership and decision-making spaces, especially within local and traditional governance structures.”She stressed that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but a matter of democratic governance, social justice, and sustainable peace.Yango also explained that the dialogue encourages male leaders—including superintendents, chiefs, elders, and religious leaders—to reflect on social norms and institutional practices that limit women’s leadership opportunities.“Male leaders have a critical role to play as champions of gender equality within their communities,” she added.Speaking on behalf of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, Political Liaison Officer Prince Yeah reaffirmed the county administration’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening their participation in governance.
“Women are peacebuilders, community mobilizers, and contributors to local development,” Yeh said. “Strengthening their leadership will enhance inclusive decision-making and sustainable peace in our communities.” Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Lofa County Service Center, Methuselah M. Gbigbi, who represented the Lofa County Superintendent, described women’s empowerment as essential for sustainable development. “Without women, it will be difficult for men to be complete,” Gbigbi said. “Coexisting and bringing women on board in leadership will help build a more sustainable society. ”Also speaking at the program, Grand Gedeh County Commissioner Daniel Wandee highlighted the importance of women’s participation in community development and governance.“When women are included in leadership, we are heading toward total transformation,” he stated.
Representatives of civil society organizations also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between men and women to advance gender equality. A representative of the Southeastern Women Development Association encouraged male leaders to actively support women and create opportunities for them to participate in local governance. WONGOSOL which is the coordinating body of women-led organizations across Liberia continues to promote advocacy, mentorship, and capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening women's political participation and leadership. The two-day dialogue, which began on March 13, is expected to conclude with the development of county-level action plans and concrete commitments from male leaders to support women’s leadership and inclusive governance in their communities.
