UN Women Liberia Displays Photo Exhibition At 15th Anniversary
By Amos Harris
In a stirring celebration of resilience, progress and impact, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with UN Women Liberia on Friday July18, 2025, unveiled a compelling photo exhibition at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, marking 15 years of UN Women’s presence and advocacy in Liberia.
Themed “Young Enough to Transform, Old Enough to Deliver,” the exhibition chronicles the journey of UN Women from its global founding in July 2010 to its groundbreaking work across Liberia.
Through a curated selection of photographs, the event showcases the organization’s powerful legacy and continued commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive development in the country.
The photo exhibition captures pivotal moments that reflect the impact of UN Women’s work across Liberia from rural villages to political corridors.
Images of women breaking gender barriers, communities recovering from conflict and grassroots advocacy highlight the evolution of the agency from a youthful initiative to a cornerstone of Liberia’s gender advocacy landscape.
Ms. Comfort Lamptey, UN Women’s Country Representative in Liberia, described the exhibition as a “visual testament to the transformative power of partnership.”
She emphasized that the journey has been one of shared struggle and success, achieved through collaboration with the Government of Liberia, local women’s organizations and international development partners.
“Every photograph displayed here tonight represents not just a moment frozen in time but a story of courage, determination, and transformation,” Ms. Lamptey stated.
“This exhibition tells the story of women who have fought for peace; who lead in politics; who are healing their communities, and who are shaping Liberia’s future.”
The ceremony was welcomed Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, who served as the evening’s special guest.
His presence underscored the significance of Liberia’s contributions to the regional gender equality agenda and UN Women’s broader vision for sustainable development.
Also in attendance were high-level government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, leaders of civil society organizations, traditional women leaders, youth advocates and representatives from the United Nations family in Liberia.
Gender Minister, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, lauded UN Women for its steadfast partnership over the years and its critical role in advancing women’s rights in Liberia.
“UN Women has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in some of our most challenging and triumphant times. Tonight, we celebrate not just 15 years of work, but 15 years of impact,” Minister Kollie said.
The exhibition explores several thematic pillars central to UN Women’s mission in Liberia, images depict community-led campaigns, safe spaces for survivors, and training programs for security and justice personnel.
Photos highlight women’s leadership in reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the wake of Liberia’s civil conflict.
The exhibition also features portraits of women in elected and appointed positions, championing inclusive governance.
Visual stories from agriculture, market cooperatives, and vocational programs reveal how women are becoming economic drivers in their communities.
“These images are not just symbols of change they are evidence of what is possible when we invest in women and girls,” noted Dr. Houinato, praising Liberia’s strides in women’s empowerment as a model for the region.
Following its debut at the EJS Ministerial Complex, the exhibition will be relocated to the One UN House on Tubman Boulevard, allowing broader public access and continued engagement.
As UN Women Liberia reflects on its 15-year journey, it has reiterated its commitment to accelerating progress toward gender equality.
Ms. Lamptey emphasized that while much has been achieved, the work is far from over.
“Our mission continues to ensure every Liberian woman and girl can live free from violence, participate equally in leadership, and access opportunities to fulfill her potential,” she said.
UN Women is the United Nations agency dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
In Liberia, the agency has worked extensively in the areas of peace and security, political participation, access to justice, and economic empowerment.
Through strategic partnerships with the Government of Liberia, civil society, and international donors UN Women continues to drive forward the agenda for women’s rights and inclusive national development.
As the curtain rose on this memorable exhibition, guests were reminded that the story of Liberia’s women is one of strength, perseverance and promise a story that UN Women is proud to have helped write and is even more determined to help shape for the future.