Monrovia, Liberia — A coalition of national leaders and development partners has called on the Liberian government and stakeholders to prioritize investment in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and girls, describing it as a strategic pathway to economic growth, gender equality, and national development.
In a joint Op-Ed marking the run-up to World Population Day 2025 (celebrated on July 11), key figures including Mr. Leonard Kamugisha, Officer-In-Charge of UNFPA Liberia; Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, Minister of Health; Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Mr. Richard Fartoma Ngafuan, Director General of the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), emphasized that ensuring reproductive rights is not just a health issue, but an economic and human rights imperative.
The Op-Ed underscores that reproductive agency—the ability of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive lives—is foundational to achieving national progress. This includes access to modern contraceptive methods, quality maternal care, and comprehensive sexuality education. The authors argue that when women and girls can control their reproductive health, they are better positioned to pursue education, secure employment, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“Access to modern methods of contraception is a prerequisite for women and girls to be able to achieve their educational aspirations, work, and participate in society in the same manner as men and boys,” the statement read.
The article paints a sobering picture of the current global and national SRHR landscape. Worldwide, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, a third of women in developing countries become mothers during adolescence, and every two minutes a woman or girl dies from preventable pregnancy-related causes. These realities represent not only human tragedies but also economic setbacks, the Op-Ed argues.
The cost-effectiveness of investment in SRHR is also clear. Every US$1 invested in contraceptive services saves US$3 in pregnancy-related and newborn care, according to the data cited in the statement. More broadly, empowering women with reproductive choices leads to healthier families, more skilled workforces, and more resilient economies.
In Liberia, where 75% of the population is under the age of 35, these issues are particularly urgent. The Op-Ed highlights the country’s potential to harness a demographic dividend—the economic growth that can result from a population’s age structure—if investments are made now to support the health and autonomy of its youth.
“By investing in sexual and reproductive health, Liberia creates a prosperous future where young people are empowered to create the family sizes that they want,” the article asserts.
The leaders also linked their appeal to Liberia’s Safe Motherhood Week, a period dedicated to mobilizing stakeholders to improve maternal health outcomes. They called on all actors to ensure that “every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.”
They stressed that the root causes of poor reproductive outcomes lie in systemic underinvestment, gender inequality, lack of education, and cultural norms that limit women’s autonomy. Reversing these trends, they argue, requires a comprehensive approach—one that includes comprehensive sexuality education, fertility awareness, elimination of gender-based violence, and the engagement of young people in policymaking.
According to the 2025 State of the World Population Report by UNFPA, advancing reproductive rights contributes directly to building equitable, peaceful, and sustainable societies. The Op-Ed echoed this view, calling for a societal shift in how youth are treated and perceived.
“Young people need to be empowered, as they become adults, rather than being blamed for rejecting partnerships and parenthood,” the authors noted.
They emphasized the need for inclusive policies that recognize diverse experiences of youth across cultures and geographies. With Liberia’s large youth population, the choices made today regarding SRHR will have generational impacts.
In conclusion, the statement for a collective appeal to national and community leaders, policymakers, and civil society organizations to make SRHR a development priority. Their message is clear: when women and girls win through access to health and autonomy, so do societies and economies.
“We are convinced that every mother matters and every birth counts. Liberia must do its utmost to ensure that no woman dies giving life and no young person is denied the right to shape their future.”
As the country prepares to commemorate World Population Day 2025, this Op-Ed serves as both a rallying cry and a policy roadmap for turning demographic realities into national opportunities. The time to act, the authors insist, is now.
