The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has intensified its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of a renewed push to strengthen institutional capacity, advance womenโs empowerment, and protect vulnerable groups across Liberia.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the UNDP Resident Representative last week, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, welcomed the UNDP delegation and commended the institution for its continued support to the Ministryโs work.
She stressed that stronger collaboration is critical to achieving national gender equality goals and ensuring inclusive development for women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.
โWe value UNDPโs partnership and technical support. Our goal is to strengthen the Ministryโs capacity to deliver impactful programs that empower women and girls while protecting the most vulnerable,โ Minister Horace-Kollie said.
The Minister recalled recommendations from earlier engagements, particularly the call for a high-level technical gender advisor to support the Ministerโs Office and enhance strategic leadership within the Ministry.
UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia thanked the Minister for convening the meeting and reaffirmed UNDPโs commitment to supporting Liberiaโs gender and social protection agenda.
He acknowledged the Ministryโs ongoing efforts and assured continued collaboration through technical assistance, institutional strengthening, and high-level policy engagements.
โUNDP stands ready to work with the Ministry to strengthen systems, build capacity, and ensure that no one is left behind,โ Mr. Dia stated.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Technical Support and Institutional Strengthening:
UNDP confirmed its readiness to support the recruitment of a high-level technical gender consultant for the Ministry. The consultant will be engaged for an initial six-month contract, renewable subject to performance.
The meeting also highlighted findings from a recent UNDP institutional micro-assessment, which will guide the next phase of cooperation once UNDPโs budget approval is finalized.
National Disability Survey:
During the meeting, Gender Minister announced plans to establish a national disability registry, supported by a comprehensive National Disability Survey.
As part of the arrangement, UNDP will draft the survey TOR, while the Ministry will work with the Office of the Second Lady and formally engage LISGIS to provide technical capacity and scope for joint implementation.
Women and Girlsโ Empowerment:
To support women street vendors and young entrepreneurs, UNDP recommended the establishment of Young Womenโs Training Centers offering vocational skills such as tailoring, cosmetology, and hair braiding. The Ministry is expected to prepare a concept note for two pilot centers in Lofa and Bong Counties, while UNDP explores funding options. The Ministry also requested support for adolescent girlsโ empowerment, including Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and street padding initiatives. UNDP further proposed engaging UNFPA and UNICEF under a coordinated multi-agency approach.
Peace, Security, and Transitional Justice:
Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie further emphasized the importance of womenโs participation in peacebuilding, highlighting the Peace Hut Program, as UNDP disclosed ongoing resource mobilization under the Peacebuilding Fund, linked to Transitional Justice, the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court, and the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
At the close of the meeting, both UNDP and MGCSP agreed to champion two pilot Peace Hut centers in Lofa and Bong, while the meeting also addressed preparations for International Womenโs Day (IWD) and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), with a commitment to involve partners early and integrate justice sector participation.
As part of ongoing engagements with development partners, the UNDP Resident Coordinator pledged to invite Minister Horace-Kollie to the Ambassadorsโ Meeting, where she will present on womenโs empowerment initiatives and planned International Womenโs Day (IWD) activities.
Meanwhile, Resident Representative Dia informed the Gender Minister of the upcoming visit of the UNDP Regional Director, scheduled for February 17โ20, 2026. He said the Ministry will lead coordination of engagements with the Women Legislative Caucus, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders, while UNDP will issue a formal notification to formalize the visit.
