The Liberia Chamber of Commerce and UN Women have concluded a day-long dialogue on Private Sector’s Role in Promoting Gender Equality in Liberia’s Business Landscape.
UN Women Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey said recognizing women’s rights as an investment issue, which is critical for creating transformative solutions that enable women to escape the cycle of poverty and truly thrive.
Since 2008, UN Women has engaged in a partnership with the UN Global Compact Office and launched the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) – a set of seven principles offering guidance and policy platform to business on how to advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community, in achieving the 2030 Agenda.
According to her, in Liberia, three companies have joined this global movement of transformative change, and “We are happy to have one of the companies present here today to share their experiences and commitments in enhancing gender equality in the workplace and beyond.”
She added that the objectives of the WEPs also goes well in line with the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights currently being developed by the Government of Liberia as one of the first countries in West Africa.
The UN Women Country Representative mentioned that investing in women and building an inclusive and effective private sector in Liberia, is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies; as such, the progress for women benefits all in the society.
In a collaborative effort to address gender disparities in Liberia’s business landscape, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce and UN Women concluded a comprehensive dialogue on advancing gender equality through corporate responsibility for implementing the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs).
The event held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, delved into the pivotal role of the private sector in advancing gender equality.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders from the private sector, government, civil society, and academia to engage in insightful discussions, sharing strategies and experiences aimed at fostering a more inclusive business environment.
During the discussions, both the CEO for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Liberia, Palmena W. Weah, the Co-founder of Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE), Olive Saab, and the National Champion of the Association of Women in Cross-Border Trade, stressed the importance of gender-sensitive policies and practices, the economic benefits of gender diversity in corporate leadership, and the role of women-owned businesses in driving sustainable development in Liberia.
UN Women Resident Coordinator, Madame N. Christine Umutoni highlighted the need for concerted efforts to eliminate barriers hindering women’s economic participation.
The President of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. O. Natty B. Davis II, emphasized the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing gender inequalities.
He underscored the Chamber’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women in businesses across Liberia.
For her part, Gbene Horace-Kollie Sarah, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, commended the Chamber of Commerce and UN Women for organizing the dialogue. She reiterated government’s commitment to promoting gender equality.
