Liberia Signs Agreement to Increase Women in Armed Forces and UN Peacekeeping
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The Ministry of Defense hosted a signing ceremony on November 11, 2025 for a new project aimed at increasing women's participation in the Armed Forces of Liberia and UN peacekeeping operations.
The documents were signed by Brigadier General (Retired) Geraldine Janet George, Liberia's Minister of National Defense and the first woman to hold this position, and Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Liberia Country Representative. Brigadier General Davidson Fayiah Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, also attended.
Supported by UN Women and funded by the Elsie Initiative Fund, the project will address barriers that have limited the deployment of female AFL soldiers to UN peacekeeping missions.
The initiative will focus on:
- National recruitment campaigns targeting young women in secondary schools and universities
- Awareness campaigns to challenge societal biases about women in the military
- Pre-deployment training in combat, driving, languages, and computer skills
- Strengthening the AFL's Gender and Social Inclusion Department
- Revising policies on recruitment, retention, whistleblowing, and harassment prevention
Minister George emphasized the benefits of increased female representation in military leadership. "When we have more intelligent, qualified, and talented women in decision-making positions, it creates benefits for everyone in the military, including our male personnel," she said.
She acknowledged ongoing challenges: "Although we haven't yet reached the 15% target for women in our armed forces, we are committed to achieving at least 8-10% in the coming years."
UN Women Country Representative Comfort Lamptey noted the timing as Liberia prepares to join the UN Security Council. "This project means Liberia can point to the achievements made at home," she said. "Liberia is well positioned to be a trailblazer in this area, particularly with a woman leading the Ministry of Defense."
The project is expected to launch its first recruitment and awareness campaigns in early 2026.
