Published: April 1, 2026
Monrovia — The United Nations Development Programme, through its European Union–funded “Leh Go Green Project,” is intensifying efforts to promote gender equality in Liberia’s forest sector with a targeted training initiative aimed at empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups.
The gender training workshop, held in Bopolu and Zwedru, brought together 26 participants from Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and River Gee Counties. Attendees included forest users, youth representatives, and members of Community Forest Management Bodies, all of whom play a critical role in local forest governance.
Addressing Gender Gaps in Forest Governance
The training responds to persistent inequalities that continue to limit women’s participation in decision-making and access to forest-based livelihood opportunities such as agroforestry, beekeeping, and Village Savings and Loan Associations.
“This training is a direct response to the challenges we’ve observed in the field,” said Chrystal-Angel Wardlow, Gender Specialist for the Leh Go Green Project. “Women’s limited influence in decision-making and restrictive social norms can undermine the effectiveness of conservation efforts.”
Building Skills for Inclusive Participation
Participants were equipped with tools to better understand gender roles and their impact on access to forest resources. The sessions also focused on strengthening the ability of communities to identify and address gender gaps within local governance structures.
“Our goal is to equip community members with the tools to not only identify these gaps but actively dismantle them, ensuring that forest management benefits are shared equitably,” Wardlow added.
Promoting Accountability and Leadership
A key component of the workshop was the introduction of gender accountability mechanisms, including the identification of community gender focal points to help track progress and ensure inclusive participation.
Wardlow stressed the importance of long-term commitment, noting, “By empowering community members to monitor and report gender results, we are building a sustainable framework for change that extends far beyond a single training session.”
Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods
The Leh Go Green Project, which operates across the Gola and Grebo-Krahn landscapes, aims to enhance forest conservation while improving livelihoods. By investing in women’s leadership and economic inclusion, the initiative seeks to strengthen Community Conservation Agreements and boost productivity in agroforestry and other forest-based enterprises.
“We are moving from awareness to concrete action,” Wardlow emphasized, underscoring the project’s commitment to delivering lasting impact in Liberia’s forest communities.
The initiative highlights a growing recognition that inclusive governance is essential to achieving sustainable environmental outcomes, particularly in resource-dependent communities across Liberia.
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