-- UN Women's West and Central Africa Regional Director Dr. Maxime Houinato is urging Liberia to make women's economic empowerment a national priority, arguing it is essential to reducing gender-based violence, closing political gaps, and accelerating inclusive development.
Speaking in Monrovia on July 22, Dr. Houinato said too many Liberian women remain vulnerable because they lack economic independence, often trapping them in abusive relationships and silencing their political voices.
"A lot of women are not respected by their husbands because they don't contribute anything to the house," he said. "Economic empowerment has reduced violence against women."
He also stressed that political participation is nearly impossible for women without financial means. "Men are doing politics in this country using money. Where do you expect women to do politics without money?"
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Despite making up more than half of Liberia's population, women hold just 11 of the nation's 103 legislative seats, a figure that has remained unchanged for over a decade. According to the World Bank, 74% of employed women work in the informal sector, and 41% of university-educated women remain outside the formal workforce.
"Half the Country Can't Stay in the House"
Dr. Houinato also called for cultural and mindset shifts to dismantle gender stereotypes.
"If you think that half of your population should stay in the house, and only half will develop the country, you will be less than others," he said.
He praised President Joseph Boakai's leadership and commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5, on gender equality, describing Liberia as a country "positioning itself as a regional and global opportunity hub."
Projects Driving Change
Dr. Houinato's visit included high-level meetings across government ministries and a tour of a women's livelihood center aiding recovery from harmful traditional practices.
He spotlighted impact-driven programs such as the Digital Inclusion for Women's Economic Empowerment (D4WEE)--a UN Women and Orange Liberia partnership that connects rural women to markets via digital platforms--and the Liberia Women's Empowerment Project (LWEP), a World Bank-funded initiative that addresses gender-based violence and provides livelihood support.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Liberia's Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie hailed the UN agency's support as "consistent, strategic, and life-changing," crediting UN Women with helping Liberia secure triple-asset status under the Beijing+30 framework and playing a vital role in policy development, grassroots engagement, and capacity building.
"Our programs are not just reactive but transformative, targeting both community behavior and systemic reform," the minister said.
Dr. Houinato underscored the long-term value of investing in women's potential. "Women can pay taxes too. And when you pay tax, you have more voice," he said. "This is essential for Liberia's future."
