Speaking Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Fourth World Conference on Women at the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, pursuant to resolution 79/288 in New York, United States of America, President Joseph N. Boakai pledged to end violence against women and girls, and invest in the future generation. “We are proud to stand among the first Member States leading on two important Action Agendas- Ending Violence against Women and Girls, and Investing in Young People, Girls, and Future Generations,” he told the gathering.
According to him, through the Agenda for Inclusive Development, Liberia will invest US$8.3 billion over five years to transform lives, with gender equality, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and social development at the heart of our priorities. President Boakai also boasted of his government’s pledge of zero tolerance for gender-based violence, with massive awareness and public education programs, and with dedicated budget allocations. The President added that the government will permanently ban harmful cultural practices, noting that a once three-year moratorium will become national law, supported by nationwide dialogues and alternative livelihood programs.
Boakai narrated that the government will implement a National Action Plan for Young Women and Girls to provide a roadmap for empowerment, voice, and protection. “An African proverb reminds us: ‘When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ Similarly, when women are fully empowered and supported, entire nations thrive,” he added.
However, the Liberian leader stated that as the country embarks on its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council, the government will ensure that the voices of women and youth are not only heard but also shape the Women, Youth, Peace and Security agenda. “Our programs are already changing lives. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is reaching 36,000 businesswomen across 6 counties, impacting more than 260,000 Liberians through increased income, resilience, and growth,” he said.
He spoke of the REALISE Project supporting 53,650 vulnerable households with direct cash transfers to 16,000 families, mainly women-headed, and business assistance to over 4,450 individuals, 80 percent women. President Boakai explained that projects like Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP) and Accelerating Impact for Young Women have already equipped nearly 25,000 adolescent girls and young women with essential health knowledge, entrepreneurship skills, and life skills. By 2031, more than 160,000 young women are expected to benefit. “Today, as we gather under the theme of recommitting to resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Liberia sees this anniversary not as a ceremonial occasion but as an urgent call to action,” he noted.
