As part of efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment and skills development, a joint team from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and UN Women recently over the weekend conducted an assessment visit to the Vocational Training and Heritage Centre in Grand Cape Mount County.
The team comprised Assistant Minister for Gender, Hon. Ophelia J. S. Kennedy, visiting UN Women Regional Director, Dr. Maxime Houinato, Ms. Comfort Lamptey UN Women Country Representative, Senator Dabah M.Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County, and a host of representatives from the UN Women, Swedish Embassy, Grand Cape Mount County, amongst others.
According to a press release dated July 21, 2025, the aimed at reviewing progress at the Center, identifying gaps, and exploring opportunities to enhance the Centre’s impact on women’s livelihoods in the county.
The Vocational Training and Heritage Centre, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in collaboration with UN Women, was established to provide women and girls with practical skills training, foster entrepreneurship, and create pathways for sustainable economic opportunities. The Centre serves as a platform for women to acquire skills in tailoring, catering, crafts, and other trades that contribute to household income and community development.
During the visit, Dr. Maxime Houinato reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through economic independence. He commended the Centre’s leadership and the Ministry of Gender for championing initiatives that create safe, empowering spaces for women and girls.
Dr. Houinato further urged UN Women and development partners to facilitate connections between the Centre and key value chains to drive sustainability, highlighting that economic empowerment should move beyond social programs to active market participation. In addition, Assistant Minister Kennedy acknowledged the significant support of UN Women and the Embassy of Sweden in establishing the Centre and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing efforts that enhance women’s skills, livelihoods, and leadership at both the community and national levels.
Looking Ahead, the Ministry and UN Women will continue to collaborate to strengthen the Centre’s operations, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to Liberia’s broader development goals of gender equality, poverty reduction, and women’s economic empowerment.
