Celebrating Progress, Confronting Barriers: How Liberia Champions Women in Diplomacy

Monrovia, 26 June 2025 - Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with UN Women Liberia hosted the 2025 International Day of Women in Diplomacy ceremony on June 24, . This year’s ceremony brought together current and former Liberian women diplomats, UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as civil society leaders. 

Observed annually on 24 June, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy recognizes and celebrates the contributions of women around the world to shaping global affairs, promoting peace, and advancing multilateralism. The event featured panel discussions a short documentary film and reflections from women who have advanced Liberia’s foreign policy and peacebuilding efforts.

"In diplomacy, the presence of women is not just a matter of representation. It is essential for effective decision-making and conflict resolution. When women participate in peace negotiations, the likelihood of lasting agreements increases significantly," said Hon. Dewey Gray, Liberia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Special Remarks she delivered on behalf of H.E. Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

Cllr. Gray further acknowledged that despite progress, significant challenges remain, with women continuing to face barriers to advancement in. Concluding her remarks, Cllr. Gray paid tribute to the resilience and contributions of women in leading diplomatic efforts: “To all women who have stood tall in embassies, ministries, multilateral halls, and conflict zones, we salute you”.

In her address, UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Christine N. Umutoni underscored the day’s significance in honoring the often-overlooked contributions of women. “The International Day of Women in Diplomacy offers an important moment to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women in peacebuilding, statecraft, and international cooperation. It draws attention to persistent gender gaps in diplomatic representation, while reinforcing global commitment to gender equality enshrined in global normative frameworks on gender equality”.

UN Women Liberia’s Country Representative, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, called on the Government of Liberia and its partners to take more concrete actions to increase the participation of women in diplomacy. “Today, UN Women calls on Government of Liberia and its partners to take bold, systemic steps in line with Resolution 58/15, to: Invest in a gender-responsive diplomatic pipeline; Integrate gender equality in foreign policy and national law; Protect women in multilateral spaces; and Leverage Liberia’s global influence to amplify the voices of women peace builders.

Liberia’s reputation as “The Country of Firsts” extends beyond securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in June 2025. The country holds a proud legacy of women in national and global leadership positions, from H.E. Angie E. Brooks becoming the first African woman to serve as President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1969, to H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s historic election as Africa’s first female president in 2005, And most recently, in January 2025, Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence's unopposed election as Liberia's first female President Pro-tempore

The ceremony’s panel discussions delivered powerful insights, with experts identifying key barriers and practical solutions. Panelists emphasized the need for greater support to attract young women into diplomatic careers while highlighting Liberian women’s invaluable contributions in peacebuilding, education, and mentorship, underscoring their critical role in shaping both national and international dialogue.

While women make up 44% of Liberia's Foreign Ministry staff, they hold just 27% of home office leadership positions—a gap that officials say must be addressed through targeted mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives. The ceremony concluded with commitments to establish a formal women's diplomatic network, expand training opportunities for young women entering foreign service, and set measurable targets for gender parity in senior diplomatic roles by 2030. As one panelist noted, "Liberia's legacy of women firsts means we have a responsibility to ensure the next generation doesn't face the same barriers we did."