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

Liberia's delegation of 12 lawmakers journeyed to India last week to observe and learn about the country's approach to women's political participation. This marks the first time such an exchange has occurred between the two nations. The visit came in the wake of India's recent initiatives aimed at empowering women, including the Women’s Reservation Bill, gender-specific budget allocations, and women-driven development projects.

During their five-day stay, the Liberian lawmakers met with key Indian officials, such as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi. They also visited various institutions, including a government-run One Stop Centre, which provides shelter and support to women who have experienced violence.

Jaishankar described the discussions with the delegation as an "exchange of views on development programmes," expressing appreciation for the Liberian interest and reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening ties within the Global South.

The delegates identified digital inclusion as a crucial area for legislative focus and advocacy in Liberia. They took inspiration from India's One Stop Centre model, which, under the Mission Shakti initiative, facilitates coordinated and survivor-focused services. Monjurul Kabir, UN Women Country Representative for Liberia, emphasized that "South-South cooperation works because countries learn from what others have actually built, through their own priorities and experiences."

The delegation gained valuable insights into women-led development, gender-responsive budgeting, economic empowerment, digitalization, and institutional responses to violence against women.

One delegate noted that India's vision of women as leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers provided a powerful framework for Liberia's efforts in women's empowerment and gender-responsive governance. Another delegate, Senator Francis Saidy Dopoh II of River Gee County, highlighted how connecting digital systems, public services, and protection for women can create more accessible policies.

The delegation, organized by UN Women Liberia in partnership with the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia, was funded by the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund through the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.