Published: December 8, 2025
Gbarnga, Bong County —The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) over the weekend dedicated a state-of-the-art dormitory in Melekie Town, Bong County, marking a major milestone in its mission to empower young women across Liberia.
The landmark structure— situated on about 6 acres square land—named Sisters Place Girls’ Empowerment Center in honor of great women including former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will accommodate young girls supported by the foundation when operational next year.
The ceremony brought together international partners, national leaders, Women groups, Youths, beneficiaries of GPFA Scholarship, and community members.
Dedicating the 50-bed capacity dormitory Madam Leymah R. Gbowee, Founder and President of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa and 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate, hailed the project as a symbol of enduring commitment to humanity and a mission of creating safer opportunities for girls.
She extolled God and thanked donors and staff for their dedication, describing the dormitory as a significant step toward easing accommodation challenges and financial strain on the organization as it strives to recruit additional female students on its fully funded scholarships program.
“In my entire life, I have always believed that whenever you’re renting a place, the highest time you should rent for is five years. After five years, if you can’t build your own place, that means you’re lazy,” she said.
“We started this dormitory because many of our girls were vulnerable, traveling long distances to get to their campuses. This place you see here is our way of saying we are tired of renting. We can now boast of our own space.”
Madam Gbowee stated that prior to the construction of the facility, GPFA relied on rented facilities often located in crowded communities—conditons that have propensity to expose the young girls to their innocence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She expressed confidence that the new facility will not only cut excessive rental costs but also guarantee a safer environment for the girls.
“This place will ensure that our young girls are protected from all forms of gender-based violence,” she emphasized.
She extended special appreciation to former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her generous contribution of US$250,000 and for her unwavering support toward women-centered development initiatives.
The newly dedicated empowerment center features a modern library, a prayer garden, a peace hut—which will be named in honor of the women who protested alongside Madam Gbowee during Liberia’s peace movement—and a fully equipped computer lab. According to Madam Gbowee, the facility will serve as a safe and transformative space where girls can access mentorship, academic support, leadership training, and personal development guidance.
Cutting the ribbon to the facility, Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf applauded GPFA for its exceptional efforts to improve the lives of girls and women in Liberia and across the African continent. She described Madam Gbowee as a “trustworthy and courageous woman” whose impactful work continues to inspire women and girls globally. She encouraged the young girls sponsored by GPFA to mqke maximum use of facility for the greater good of their future.
About the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
GPFA continues to implement impactful programs across Africa, including:
Providing scholarships for hundreds of girls and young women in Liberia, Ghana, and other countries,
Training young women in leadership, peacebuilding, and community engagement.
Offering entrepreneurial skills development, counseling, and life-skills training for vulnerable youth. Leading community outreach initiatives that promote peacebuilding, gender equality, and social justice.
The opening of the Sisters Place Girls’ Empowerment Center marks another significant milestone in GPFA’s mission to empower young girls with confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of purpose.
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