The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has successfully concluded the Western Region phase of the final assessment of the implementation of Liberia’s Second National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), marking a key milestone in preparations for the development of the Third Generation National Action Plan (2026–2031).
According to a press release dated January 6, 2026, the assessment, which was conducted with support from the Government of Sweden through UN Women, covered the period 2019–2023, with an extension through December 2025. It was intended to review achievements, identify challenges, and document lessons learned from the implementation of the Second NAP.
The Ministry’s technical team carried out consultations across the Western Region, beginning with Bomi County, continuing to Gbarpolu County, and concluding in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County.
During the regional assessment, the team was joined by a UN Women Representative, Ms. Ghoma Karloweah, who reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s Women, Peace and Security agenda and underscored the importance of inclusive, community-driven consultations in shaping a responsive and impactful Third National Action Plan.
Furthermore, the regional exercise brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including county authorities, line ministries, security actors, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth leaders, as well as traditional and community leaders.
The release states that Liberia adopted its Second National Action Plan in 2019 as part of its commitment to implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.
The plan was designed to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes, enhance the protection of women and girls, prevent conflict, and improve coordination and accountability across institutions.
The Second NAP was developed through a broad, participatory process led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, building on the foundation laid by Liberia’s first National Action Plan (2009–2013).
Its implementation involved multiple government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, and development partners.
According to the Ministry, the assessment in the Western Region focused on evaluating what worked well, what did not, and the factors influencing implementation, including coordination mechanisms, institutional capacity, and resource availability.
Community-level consultations provided a platform for women and youth to share their experiences and propose practical recommendations for strengthening future interventions.
Findings from the Western Region assessment will be consolidated with inputs from other regions as the nationwide exercise continues.
The results will inform the formulation of the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2026–2031), which is expected to build on past gains, address persistent gaps, and further strengthen Liberia’s commitment to advancing women’s meaningful participation in peace, security, and national development.
