In a strategic transfer to modernize the army and fulfill worldwide obligations, the Ministry of Nationwide Protection, in partnership with UN Ladies, has formally launched a two-year initiative funded by the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF).
By Francis G. Boayue
The Elsie Initiative Fund Challenge with finances of US$663,000, was launched on Monday, February 9, 2026 on the Ministry of Nationwide Protection in Monrovia.
Giving the overview of the venture, Kofi Eire of UN Ladies Liberia, stated the venture is designed to be greater than only a recruitment drive; it represents a elementary shift within the AFL’s institutional tradition, which incorporates nationwide recruitment to draw younger ladies into the army, the institution of a devoted pre-deployment coaching middle to make sure feminine troopers are mission-ready and in addition strengthening the AFL Gender and Social Inclusion to interrupt long-standing boundaries and considerably enhance the illustration of girls inside the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and their deployment to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“This initiative is designed to extend the variety of ladies in uniform and promote a extra inclusive {and professional} AFL,” Mr. Eire famous, emphasizing the drive towards a contemporary pressure.
“The timing of the Elsie Initiative is especially important. As Liberia begins its tenure on the UN Safety Council, the federal government is keen to place the nation as a continental chief within the Ladies, Peace and Safety (WPS) Agenda.’’
“By aligning its home army coverage with worldwide peacekeeping requirements, Liberia is signaling its readiness to contribute extra robustly to world stability whereas showcasing the aptitude of its feminine officers,” he added.
Serving as Keynote Speaker, Bong County District Six Consultant, Moima Briggs Mensah, acknowledged that the launch is the results of strategic partnership and exhausting work for inclusive safety.
She famous that the initiative seeks to offer ladies the house to steer and serve inside the army hierarchy.
Additionally talking, Retired Brig. Normal Geraldine George-Johnson, Minister of Nationwide Protection, acknowledged that whereas the Military has seen varied reforms because the finish of the civil disaster, progress for girls has been sluggish.
“The venture was signed on November 11, 2025, below the theme: ‘Strengthening Armed Forces of Liberia’s Ladies Energetic Participation in Peace and Safety via Deployment of Peacekeeping,’” Minister George-Johnson stated.
She added that the initiative aligns with nationwide priorities and can develop coaching for girls in peacekeeping operations over the subsequent two years.
In her remarks, UN Liberia Resident Coordinator Christine Umutoni lauded the collaboration between the Ministry and UN Ladies, emphasizing that the implementation of the initiative extends past the fund itself, specializing in inclusive safety and strengthening public belief within the nation’s protection equipment.
The initiative comes on the heels of a complete barrier evaluation carried out by way of the Measuring Alternatives for Ladies in Peace Operations (MOWIP) methodology. Past the frontlines, the venture is tackling the nice print of army life.
Substantial focus is being positioned on coverage reforms concerning whistleblowing, harassment prevention, and retention methods.
By making a safer, extra equitable atmosphere, the Ministry of Nationwide Protection hopes to make sure that as soon as ladies be part of the pressure, they’ve a transparent and guarded path to management.
