Reported by: Naneka Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia – Female leaders from Liberia’s 13 recognized political parties departed the Women’s Democracy School with a renewed sense of confidence, improved leadership skills, and a shared objective of promoting inclusive democratic governance and women’s political participation across the country.
The five-day intensive leadership program, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, gave twenty-six participants practical skills to strengthen their positions within political parties, influence policy, and advocate for reforms that address the needs of women and communities nationwide.
The initiative, which is overseen by UNDP and carried out in collaboration with UN Women and NIMD with assistance from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, represents a larger commitment to removing the structural obstacles that still prevent women from participating in political leadership and decision-making.
Opening the training on Friday, July 24, 2026, Cllr. Darren L. Domah, program manager of NIMD Liberia, encouraged participants to place community priorities, particularly those affecting women, at the center of their political engagement.
“When you want to become politicians, you can use the issues affecting women across the country as your political strategies to engage people to vote for you,” he stated. “Support is not always about giving money; it is also about encouraging one another, sharing knowledge, and creating the confidence for every woman to speak,” Cllr. Domah continued, emphasizing the significance of unity among female leaders.
The program also emphasized the vital connection between national growth and women’s empowerment. Professor George Wisner of AME University emphasized that funding women’s development is essential to achieving sustained economic growth during talks on governance and political engagement. “Nobody can talk about improving the economy without improving the conditions of women,” he said.
Discussions on the cost of politics pushed participants to use their personal experiences as powerful instruments for advocacy and leadership, addressing one of the most enduring obstacles to women’s political engagement.
Facilitator Dr. Aaron Weah urged women leaders to build alliances beyond party affiliations and champion issues that unite rather than divide. “The high cost of politics continues to limit women’s participation. Women must use their lived experiences to promote issue-based advocacy and work across party lines to advance inclusive leadership,” Dr. Weah said.
The Democracy School was more than just a leadership development course for a lot of participants. It provided a transforming environment for education, networking, and personal development.
Williette P. Cooper, the Liberty Party’s vice chairperson for national election affairs, said the encounter marked a significant change in her political career. “I took part in a program for the first time that addressed the obstacles that women encounter as well as workable answers that improve our capacity to lead, engage with voters, and successfully compete in politics. My awareness of the need for integrity, trade, agriculture, and health for successful political leadership has expanded thanks to the school. It has boosted my confidence and given me the tools I need to serve more effectively.”
Despite Liberia’s democratic progress, women are still underrepresented in political institutions and frequently encounter major challenges, such as unequal political involvement, limited access to leadership chances, and financial limitations. As a means to address these issues, the Democracy School was established as a venue where female leaders can develop the abilities, connections, and self-assurance required to effect significant change.
Participants examined important subjects such as constitutional democracy, ethical leadership, electoral reform, issue-based political engagement, women’s political participation, the cost of politics, and the expanding role of social media in democratic discourse through expert-led discussions, peer learning, and hands-on activities.
The program’s central message was to abandon personality-driven politics in favor of leadership based on finding answers to the problems that voters care about most. As the program came to an end, participants had developed stronger networks across political divisions, improved leadership abilities, and useful tactics for promoting more women in positions of decision-making.
The Women’s Democracy School serves as an example of how strengthening female leaders is not just an issue of equality but also a fundamental investment in more robust democratic institutions, responsive governance, and a more inclusive future for Liberia. The program is contributing to the creation of a political environment where a variety of voices influence democratic transformation and national growth by providing women with the information, self-assurance, and leadership skills they need.
With the aim of giving more women the chance to make significant contributions to Liberia’s political future, the Liberia Electoral Reform Project continues to promote organizations and procedures that promote inclusive, participatory, and accountable democratic governance.
