Monrovia, Liberia – In honor of International Women in Diplomacy Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with UN Women Liberia, celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of women in foreign service and diplomacy by bringing together a wide range of stakeholders at the historic Cecil C. Dennis Jr. Auditorium.
In keeping with Liberia’s national theme, “Accelerate Action,” this year’s commemoration focused on the pressing need to accelerate efforts to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide. It served as a forum to celebrate trailblazing women, consider advancements, and reaffirm pledges to advance women’s involvement in international relations and decision-making.
Deputy Minister Cllr. Deweh E. Gray honored notable Liberian women who have influenced the country’s diplomatic and governance scene in a statement submitted on behalf of H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Among those honored were Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected female president; Angie Brooks Randolph, the first African woman to preside over the United Nations General Assembly; and Nobel Peace Laureate Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, all recognized as pioneers and beacons of peace, leadership, and gender inclusion.
Cllr. Gray described significant national initiatives, including the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, aimed at enhancing women’s participation in diplomacy and peacebuilding in compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
She emphasized that Liberian women are increasingly leading peace processes in addition to taking part in them, indicating the country’s growing commitment to gender-responsive governance. In her reflection, she recalled Liberia’s early diplomatic connections with major nations as part of its longtime support for African self-determination, and the country’s historic position as a champion of African sovereignty and global diplomacy.
Amb. Gray urged women to continue to lead in diplomacy in order to create a more inclusive and equal world, pointing out that “Liberia has always been a symbol of hope and agency on the international stage.”
The Deputy Minister issued a challenge to women in all fields to come together across national boundaries, cultural differences, and occupations in order to build a future in which women may lead, dream, and succeed. In order to promote gender-sensitive policies and to guide and assist the next generation of female leaders, she urged everyone to work together.
Experienced diplomats and up-and-coming professionals discussed their own diplomatic service travels, experiences, difficulties, and triumphs in a high-level panel discussion with the topic “From Resolution to Reality.” The discussion provided important insights on converting global pledges on gender equality into real results.
Participants from the Liberian government, academia, diplomatic missions, civil society, and foreign development partners showed their strong, multi-sectoral support for the promotion of women in diplomacy.
The 2025 International Women in Diplomacy event was a powerful reminder of Liberia’s steadfast dedication to gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive global governance as the country builds on its history of women’s leadership.
