UN Women Regional Director Lauds Liberia’s Progress

UN Women Regional Director Lauds Liberia’s Progress

By Amos Harris

Dr. Maxime Houinato,  Regional Director for UN Women in West and Central Africa, has  a high-level mission to Liberia with strong praise for the government and people of Liberia.

Dr. Houinato engaged the media in a press conference held at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the United Nations family, the donor community.

Civil society organizations and the Liberian people for what he described as a warm reception and fruitful engagements.

Reflecting on his visit, Dr. Houinato shared his overall impressions, describing Liberia as a country brimming with renewed hope and determination.

“There is a growing sense of hope among the Liberian people,” he said, emphasizing that his engagements with various stakeholders across the country had left him optimistic about Liberia’s future.

He hailed the government’s efforts in implementing its national development blueprint the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.

“This agenda is not just a vision; it is a call to shared responsibility,” Dr. Houinato said.

 “Our focus remains on accountability not just from the government, but from civil society organizations, international partners and all other stakeholders.

 Everyone must be engaged in ensuring that Liberia continues to make tangible progress.”

He emphasized that gender equality, particularly the economic empowerment of women and girls, must remain central to Liberia’s development efforts.

“We must work collectively to ensure that every sector plays a key role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).”

 Dr. Houinato held a closed-door meeting with Liberian President Joseph NyumaBoakai.

 According to the UN Women Regional Director, President Boakai expressed unwavering commitment to steering the country toward sustained peace, security, and national development.

“President Boakai has committed to moving the country forward,” Dr. Houinato told journalists.

“He recognizes the importance of inclusive governance and the role of women in national reconstruction, his support for UN Women’s efforts here is deeply encouraging.”

Dr. Houinato disclosed that he also held meetings with representatives from the Ministries of National Defense, Gender and other line ministries, civil society organizations, embassies and development partners.

“The feedback we received from these engagements is clear, Liberia is making progress.

 The country’s seat at the United Nations Security Council is not just symbolic it is a recognition of Liberia’s growing voice in global governance,” he stated.

He further remarked that the international community acknowledges Liberia’s evolving importance, even if it may not always be immediately visible to citizens within the country.

 “Sometimes you don’t fully understand the importance of your own country but those of us observing from outside see Liberia as a beacon of resilience and potential.”

Dr. Houinato reiterated UN Women’s commitment to supporting economic empowerment programs for women and girls across Liberia.

He called for increased investment in initiatives that provide young women with skills training, education and access to economic resources.

“We cannot talk about development without talking about the women who form the backbone of this society,” he said.

 “Empowering women is not optional; it is fundamental to economic growth and peacebuilding.”

 Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, madamGbemeTeta Horace, welcomed the visit of the Regional Director and praised the long-standing partnership between the Ministry and UN Women.

“This partnership is very critical to our national development goals,” Minister Horace said.

“UN Women has stood with us through every challenge and every success,  we are especially grateful for the continued support in our fight against gender-based violence.”

Minister Horace described the collaboration as one that has strengthened institutional capacity and deepened the Ministry’s outreach, especially to adolescent girls who have been out of school due to pregnancy, poverty, or GBV-related trauma.

“Our focus remains an unwavering commitment to those who are most vulnerable.

We want to ensure that girls return to school, that survivors of violence receive justice and care and that women in rural areas have access to resources that will help lift their communities,” she said.

Minister Horace used the occasion to call on the Liberian media to be sensitive and professional when reporting cases of gender-based violence.

“The media has a critical role in how the public perceives and responds to issues of GBV,” she noted.

“Your reporting should be accurate and respectful,  it should not promote blame or discrimination, but rather empower communities to take action.”

She revealed that the Ministry has, with support from international partners, opened GBV sub-stations in various counties to enhance public awareness and response mechanisms.

These centers serve as referral points for survivors and platforms for community-based awareness.

“We want every citizen to rise against gender-based violence. It’s not just a women’s issue   it’s everybody’s fight.

With support from our donor and international partners, we can win this fight together,” she said.

UN Women has been one of Liberia’s strongest partners in promoting women’s rights and supporting programs that address GBV

Increase girls’ access to education and enhance women’s participation in leadership.

Dr. Houinato reaffirmed that the agency will continue to support the Government of Liberia through technical assistance, policy advocacy and program funding.

“UN Women will always be a partner to the Government and people of Liberia,” he assured.

 “We are here to stay, to work hand in hand in building a society that leaves no one behind especially women and girls.”

The press conference concluded on a note of optimism and renewed commitment.

 Both the Government and UN Women emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum in Liberia’s development journey.

As Liberia navigates its post-conflict recovery and democratic transition, the role of women in leadership, peacebuilding and economic resilience is more crucial than ever.

 And with the backing of global partners such as UN Women, the country appears poised to translate its aspirations into concrete outcomes.

Dr. Houinato’s visit serves not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a call to action  to government, to communities, to development actors and to the media to ensure that gender equality is not just a slogan but a lived reality for every Liberian.

He met with President Boakai and received commitment to gender-inclusive governance, held strategic discussions with ministries, civil society, and international partners, highlighted Liberia’s rising profile on the global stage, including its UN Security Council seat.

He also reaffirmed UN Women’s support for programs combating GBV and promoting women’s economic empowerment, called on the media to adopt responsible reporting practices on gender-based issues.

Gender Minister GbemeTeta Horace praised UN Women’s longstanding support and emphasized national ownership in ending GBV.

With Liberia’s development agenda aligned closely with global gender equality goals, the groundwork is being laid for a future where women and girls play a leading role in shaping the nation’s destiny.