Published: September 22, 2025
NEW YORK — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has pledged a permanent ban on harmful cultural practices in Liberia, including female genital mutilation (FGM), and announced an ambitious $8.3 billion national agenda to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.
Speaking Wednesday at the 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women — also known as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action — Boakai vowed to transform temporary moratoriums into permanent national law, declaring zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
“What was once a three-year moratorium will now become national law,” Boakai said. “We pledge zero tolerance for gender-based violence, backed by public education campaigns, awareness programs, and dedicated budget allocations.”
A Historic Shift
The announcement marks a landmark victory for women’s rights advocates who have long demanded permanent protections. While previous governments imposed temporary bans, enforcement was inconsistent, leaving women and girls at risk. Boakai’s move would make Liberia one of the few African nations to codify such protections into law.
“The Beijing Declaration charted a hopeful path for women and girls,” Boakai told world leaders. “Today, Liberia reaffirms its commitment to accelerate implementation, translating global promises into local action.”
$8.3 Billion Agenda for Inclusive Development
Boakai also unveiled a five-year, $8.3 billion Agenda for Inclusive Development, targeting education, health care, social services, and economic empowerment. The plan prioritizes young people, especially girls, and aims to close longstanding gaps in opportunity and equality.
Flagship programs include the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, which supports 36,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide and benefits more than 260,000 people, and the REALISE Project, which provides tools and resources to 3,600 vulnerable households for sustainable livelihoods.
“As an African proverb says, ‘When spider webs unite, they can tie a lion,’” Boakai said. “Similarly, when women are fully empowered and supported, entire nations triumph.”
Global Commitments and Security Council Role
Boakai linked Liberia’s domestic reforms to its new global responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, pledging to elevate the voices of women and youth in international peace and security debates.
“As Liberia embarks on this Security Council mandate, we will ensure that the perspectives of women and youth are not only heard but shape international policies on peace and development,” he said.
A Global Call to Action
The president urged other nations to match Liberia’s example by investing in women’s rights and passing legislation to protect vulnerable groups.
“We will implement a national action plan for women and girls to provide a roadmap for empowerment, voice, and protection,” Boakai declared.
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