By: Laymah Kollie
The Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH), in partnership with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Liberia Chapter, will on Tuesday host a one-day Intergenerational Dialogue aimed at strengthening women’s political leadership as Liberia prepares for the 2029 general elections.
The national dialogue will take place at the Ballroom of the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia and will convene women legislators, seasoned and emerging women leaders, civil society actors, youth representatives, and selected allies.
Participants are expected to reflect on recent electoral experiences and develop strategies to increase women’s participation and influence in governance.
Organizers say the initiative comes against the backdrop of the persistent underrepresentation of women in Liberia’s political and decision-making spaces.
This challenge, they note, is exacerbated by weak enforcement of gender quotas, violence against women in politics, and deeply entrenched social norms that continue to limit women’s leadership opportunities.
The program will feature opening remarks, a keynote address, thematic panel discussions, and moderated intergenerational roundtable sessions. Key thematic areas will include women’s political participation, electoral reform and temporary special measures, peace and security, and the transformation of harmful social norms.According to ORWOCH and AWLN Liberia, the dialogue has two core objectives: promoting young women’s political leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and stronger intergenerational networks; and generating practical recommendations on electoral reforms and gender-responsive legal and policy frameworks.
Participants will also examine violence and backlash against women in politics, as well as the critical role of men and boys in advancing positive social change and gender equality.About 60 participants are expected to attend, with women accounting for approximately 85 percent of the participants and men 15 percent.
The group will include young women leaders aged 18 to 35, experienced women leaders aged 35 and above, and a limited number of male participants, including HeForShe allies and institutional representatives.
The organizer has disclosed that participants were selected through a transparent nomination process coordinated by ORWOCH and AWLN Liberia.
Nominations were drawn from civil society and youth-led networks, the AWLN Liberia Steering Committee, the ORWOCH Board, and relevant institutions.
Selection criteria emphasized leadership experience or potential, demonstrated commitment to gender equality, diversity across age, sector, and geography, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue.
The dialogue is expected to foster stronger intergenerational relationships among women leaders and allies, while producing concrete recommendations on electoral reforms, gender-responsive legal frameworks, and strategies to shift harmful social norms.
Youth-led perspectives and expert insights are anticipated to play a central role in shaping these outcomes.The event is supported by UN Women and the European Union under the WYDE Project.
ORWOCH is a Liberian civil society organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting the rights and well-being of women and children, while AWLN Liberia is part of a continental network working to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in political, social, and economic decision-making.
