PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – A national conference bringing together stakeholders and rights groups working on women’s issues in the country will commence today at the Paynesville City Hall.

The conference, which is expected to last for two days was organized by the Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Additionally, the United Nations Development Program and the Carter Center contributed in the sponsoring of this event.

The theme of the conference is “Step it up: Mobilizing to bridge the gap for gender equality”.

According to the Gender and Civil Education Officer of the Secretariat, Miatta Thomas, the gathering is intended to provide the space for women to identify major challenges affecting them.

Miatta Thomas, Gender and Civil Education Officer of the Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia. Photo: Gbatemah Senah

Thomas said attendees would be provided the opportunity to consult on how to address barriers that hinder their progress in achieving increased socio-economic development and political participation.

“We will also identify means to advance relevant solutions and securing commitment toward promoting gender equality,” she added.

Thomas said 550 delegates representing women’s groups in the fifteen counties and stakeholder organizations would attend the conference. She added that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is also expected to participate.

Thomas noted that the conference is held annually to propel advocacy for women and gender empowerment. She named the enactment of several proposals in the interest of gender equality and protection into law as some of the major challenges affecting women in Liberia.

Featured photo by UN Women/Winston Daryoue