MONROVIA, Liberia – Dr. Maxime Houinato, Regional Director for UN Women in West and Central Africa, has concluded a week-long visit to Liberia, applauding the country’s strides in gender equality and reaffirming the UN’s deepening partnership in support of national development goals.
During a press conference in Monrovia, Dr. Houinato commended the Liberian Government’s efforts to mainstream gender equality across its national development agenda, especially through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5.
“Liberia is not only showing promise, it is delivering,” Dr. Houinato stated. “There is a renewed sense of hope, especially among women and youth. Liberia is clearly positioning itself as a country of opportunity.”
Dr. Houinato met with President Joseph Boakai, lawmakers, and top government officials from the ministries of Gender, Finance, Internal Affairs, Defence, and Foreign Affairs. These high-level meetings culminated in shared commitments to deepen gender-focused interventions nationwide.
Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie described the visit as “symbolic and strategic,” reinforcing UN Women’s longstanding dedication to gender equality in Liberia. She highlighted Liberia’s role as a “triple asset country” under the Beijing+30 initiative, prioritizing the fight against gender-based violence and investment in adolescent girls.
“UN Women has been pivotal in helping us build institutional capacity, develop policy, and finance grassroots gender programs,” Minister Kollie noted.
One of the key moments of the visit was Dr. Houinato’s tour of the Women’s Heritage Center near Monrovia. The center works with women engaged in traditional rituals, helping them transition away from harmful practices toward rights-based, economically empowering alternatives.
“That visit was transformative,” Minister Kollie remarked. “It shows how local initiatives can drive national impact—preserving culture while promoting gender justice.”
Dr. Houinato’s visit also coincided with the 15th anniversary of UN Women Liberia. A commemorative event brought together stakeholders to celebrate achievements and renew commitments for future collaboration.
“UN Women has been a constant and responsive partner for over 15 years,” Minister Kollie said. “From electoral support to legal reform and ending violence against women, their work has helped shape Liberia’s progress.”
The visit comes as Liberia’s global profile continues to rise, following its election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Dr. Houinato cited this as a sign of Liberia’s growing influence and maturity on the world stage.
“This international recognition reflects Liberia’s evolving identity—a country driven by purpose, peace, and inclusion,” he emphasized.
As his mission concluded, Dr. Houinato shared recommendations for strengthening inter-institutional collaboration and scaling up inclusive policy implementation. He called for unified efforts between the government, civil society, and international partners to accelerate progress for women and girls.
“We are at a pivotal moment,” he said. “Liberia’s story is one of transformation and resilience. Together, we can build a future where every woman and girl is safe, empowered, and heard.”
The press conference ended with a reaffirmed commitment from both UN Women and the Ministry of Gender to continue advancing a more equitable and inclusive Liberia—where women and girls are not only protected but empowered to lead change and shape national progress.
