Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of National Defense has signed a landmark agreement with UN Women Liberia to launch a transformative project aimed at increasing women’s participation in the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and their deployment in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The project documents were signed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 by Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George, Liberia’s Minister of National Defense and the first woman to hold this position and Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative in Liberia.
The signing ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and other senior defense and UN officials.
Supported by UN Women with funding from the Elsie Initiative Fund, the project seeks to address systemic barriers hindering women’s meaningful participation in peacekeeping operations. It will include nationwide recruitment campaigns targeting young women in secondary schools and universities, awareness drives to challenge stereotypes about women in uniform, and specialized pre-deployment training covering combat readiness, driving, language proficiency, and technology.
Minister George described the initiative as a pivotal moment for gender inclusion in Liberia’s defense sector.
“When we have more intelligent, qualified, and talented women in decision-making positions, it benefits the entire military, including our male personnel,” she said. “While progress has been made, challenges remain. Although we haven’t yet reached the 15% target for women in our armed forces, we are committed to achieving at least 8–10% in the coming years.”
UN Women’s Comfort Lamptey underscored the significance of the initiative as Liberia prepares for a greater international role.
“With Liberia’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, this partnership comes at a strategic moment,” she noted. “Liberia is uniquely positioned to be a trailblazer in promoting women’s participation in defense and peacekeeping—especially with a woman leading the Ministry of Defense.”
The project also aims to strengthen the AFL’s Gender and Social Inclusion Department and review key institutional policies related to recruitment, retention and the prevention of sexual harassment and exploitation.
This milestone marks a new chapter in Liberia’s defense history—one that champions inclusion, equality, and excellence in service to both the nation and the international community.
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