Monrovia, Liberia – 23 fellows have been empowered and certified by Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) through its transformative capacity building flagship program, “Next Gen Feminism,” which has improved their abilities in social justice advocacy, creativity, and other feminism concepts.
In addition to providing a space for fellows to examine the development of feminist movements and how these struggles intersect with larger efforts toward equity and liberation in Liberia, the six-week program’s goal was to put young women and girls in a potent and transformative journey into intergenerational feminism and social justice.
Young women and girls explore the relationship between gender and other facets of identity, including ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, and disability, throughout the program.
They embed their learning in both historical context and modern reality through participatory debates, creative workshops, and community-based projects. They experience feminism as a living, breathing force that influences their world and gives them the confidence to lead in a fearless and unreserved approach to problem-solving, rather than merely studying it.
The program encourages the exchange of ideas, tactics, and experiences for long-lasting change in Liberia by providing a special forum for intergenerational discussion.
Fellows gained the ability to address important issues such as intersectionality, cultural norms, and women’s participation in decision-making throughout the program. These sessions helped fellows examine the connections between gender, identity, power, and justice. They were not only instructive but also intensely personal.
An important milestone in empowering Liberia’s next generation of feminists was reached on October 1, 2025, with the Next Gen Feminism cohort 25 Graduation Ceremony held at Musu Spot, Congo Town.
Reflecting on the six weeks of intense feminist leadership and networking is another goal of the closing ceremony. More than 75 stakeholders, including feminists and representatives of organizations that influence young girls and women’s leadership in Liberia, gathered for the closing ceremony.
A reflection movie was shown to participants at the indoor program to showcase the lessons learned and all of the work completed throughout the six weeks.
In her special remarks, Naomi Tulay-Solanke, Executive Director of the Community Healthcare Initiative, stated that as up-and-coming leaders, they possess the resources, expertise, and connections necessary to effect significant change in their communities.
She added that the cohort will provide a forum for cooperation, education, and the exchange of best practices, enabling fellows to develop their abilities in community mobilization, digital activism, and advocacy.
“As we move forward, my expectations for this cohort are high. I encouraged each of you to engage fully, challenge the status quo, and bring your unique perspectives to the table. Embrace collaboration and support one another as you navigate the complexities of this work. Remember, Next Gen Feminism is not just about individual empowerment; it is about collective action and solidarity. Together, we can create a future where gender equality is not merely an aspiration, but a reali-ty. Thank you for being part of this transformative initiative. I look forward to the incredible work we will accomplish together.” She concluded.
Providing the keynote addressed, madam Aminata Kamara expressed appreciation to the organizers and graduates for participating the activities.
“The future belongs to those who believe in Equality, integrity and social justice for all. Feminism has never been about comfort but about courage. The world does not change when we whisper, it changes when we insist and make demands,” she stated.
Counselor Tonieh Wiles, for her part, expressed gratitude to CHI for fostering a new generation of feminists and stressed the value of intergenerational communication.
“As things change, our mission as Feminists shouldn’t change but we must continue to work. Feminism is a movement of Solidarity and it’s about confidentiality, Inclusion and Consistency even if there are backlashes in doing the work.”
As for the impact story and reflection on the six-week program, 23-year-old Next Gen Fellow Saoballah P. Borbor stated that it is a light to see with rather than a flame to burn.
The program ended with a strong suggestion that men be added to the next cohort to ensure that they can study alongside women and support them in their advocacy.
Shirley Pauline, who is a member of the next generation of feminists, revealed that the sessions forced her to consider the virtues of her mother, who taught her to always speak out for justice and fight for girls and women because she understands what it’s like to be treated unfairly.
Reported by: Prince Saah
