Liberia to take a leaf out of India’s playbook on engaging, empowering women

Liberia recently sent a delegation to India to learn about the country's successful engagement and empowerment of women in politics. This marks the first time such an interaction has taken place between the two nations. The delegation, consisting of 12 lawmakers, met with several Indian government officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi. They also visited a government-run One Stop Centre, which provides shelter to women affected by violence.

During their trip, the Liberian delegation identified digital inclusion as a priority area for legislative attention and advocacy. The One Stop Centre model, under Mission Shakti, offered valuable lessons for Liberia in providing coordinated, survivor-centered services. UN Women Country Representative in Liberia, A H Monjurul Kabir, emphasized that South-South cooperation is effective because countries learn from each other's experiences.

One delegate noted that India's vision of women-led development, where women are leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, provided a powerful framework for Liberia's own efforts in women's empowerment and gender-responsive governance. Another delegate highlighted how digital systems, public services, and protection for women can be integrated, emphasizing the importance of accessible policies supported by functional systems.