Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) female recruitment exercise has now forced on the southeast beginning in River Gee County.
The Ministry of National Defense, and the hierarchy AFL have meanwhile, launched a county-wide awareness campaign the county.
The drive is to recruit more women into the military, “because female representation is key to a stronger, and more inclusive security sector.”
The campaign kicked off this week in Fish Town with town hall meetings, radio engagements, and community outreaches informing young women about recruitment opportunities, and requirements.
During the program at Fish Town City Hall, Sergeant Patricia Munah Lincoln said, increasing female participation is a “national priority.”
“Female participation in the AFL is important to strengthen women’s representation in the security sector. Women bring unique skills in peacekeeping, community engagement, and service delivery.”
Sgt. Lincoln disclosed how women currently make up 7.4 percent of the AFL, while the country working toward a target of between 15 and 20 percent female representation in the force.
She outlined the basic eligibility requirements for interested applicants to include education: Must be a high school graduate with a diploma, or certificate.
Other requirements are age limit of 18 to 35 years; character that must be of good moral conduct, and physically fit; drug-free; meaning staying away from narcotics abuse.
“Applicants found to be involved in narcotics use or related offenses will be automatically disqualified.”
Sgt. Lincoln named other requirements as medical screening, and aptitude tests as parts of the processes that will be communicated during the formal recruitment period.
United Nations (UN) Women is supporting the awareness campaign to promote gender equality in security institutions.
“UN Women is supporting us to ensure women have equal opportunities to serve their country in uniform. This is about giving qualified Liberian women a chance to protect, and build the nation.”
Dozens of women from Fish Town, and surrounding communities attended the City Hall engagement.
Many expressed appreciation to the government, and UN Women for opening the door to the recruitment processes.
“This campaign will encourage more of our daughters, and sisters to consider the military as a career. For too long, we thought the army was only for men,” said one participant.”
Participants asked questions about training, benefits, and deployment, and pledged to share the information with other young women in their towns.
Officials said, the River Gee engagement is part of pre-recruitment awareness effort in all 15 counties with the goal to inform, educate, and prepare qualified females ahead of the next AFL recruitment exercise.
“The AFL is committed to increase female participation, and ensure that the military reflects the people it serves.”
