By: P. Uriah Suah | 0881137395
GANTA, Nimba County – Influential male leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society actors from several counties have gathered in Ganta City for a two-day regional dialogue focused on challenging harmful gender norms and promoting greater participation of women in leadership and governance.
The dialogue was organized by the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) in partnership with UN Women and the Government of Ireland. The initiative seeks to encourage male leaders to become advocates for gender equality and women’s political participation across Liberia.
The event, held at Pherena Hall in Ganta, brought together local government officials, chiefs, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners from Nimba, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, and other counties. Call for Change in Leadership MindsetSpeaking during the opening ceremony on behalf of Ganta City Mayor Samuel Hardt, Administrative Assistant Africanus Dolo welcomed participants and praised the organizers for selecting Ganta as host for what he described as an important and prestigious dialogue.
Dolo stressed that leadership should not be dominated by men alone. “Leadership should not only be centered on men. We the men must change our mindset and help mobilize influential women who will shape the future of our country through transformational development,” he said. He added that Liberia’s progress largely depends on the inclusion of women in political and community leadership, noting that Nimba County has already made progress in empowering women.
WONGOSOL Highlights Purpose of Dialogue
Providing an overview of the program, WONGOSOL Executive Director Esther Davis Yango explained that the dialogue is part of the “Strengthening Women’s Leadership in Local Governance and Peacebuilding” project supported by the Government of Ireland. According to her, the initiative aims to increase women’s participation, influence, and visibility in decision-making processes at the local level across Liberia.
Yango noted that although women play significant roles in peacebuilding and community development, they remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions, particularly within local and traditional governance structures.She emphasized that gender equality is not only a women’s issue but also a matter of democratic governance, social justice, and sustainable peace.
“Male leaders have a critical role to play as champions of gender equality within their communities,” she added.
County Officials Support Women’s EmpowermentSpeaking on behalf of Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, Political Liaison Officer Prince Yeah reaffirmed the county administration’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in governance.“Women are peacebuilders, community mobilizers, and contributors to local development. Strengthening their leadership will enhance inclusive decision-making and sustainable peace in our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Lofa County Service Center, Methuselah M. Gbigbi, who represented the Lofa County Superintendent, described women’s empowerment as essential for sustainable development.
“Without women, it will be difficult for men to be complete. Bringing women on board in leadership will help build a more sustainable society,” Gbigbi noted. Grand Gedeh County Commissioner Daniel Wandee also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in governance and development.
“When women are included in leadership, we are heading toward total transformation,” he stated.
Civil Society Calls for Collaboration
Representatives from civil society organizations emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between men and women to advance gender equality.
A representative from the Southeastern Women Development Association urged male leaders to actively support women and create opportunities for them to participate in local governance. WONGOSOL, the coordinating body for women-led organizations across Liberia, continues to promote advocacy, mentorship, and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening women’s political participation and leadership.
The two-day dialogue, which began on March 13, is expected to conclude with the development of county-level action plans and concrete commitments from male leaders to support women’s leadership and inclusive governance in their communities.
