The Ministry of National Defense has intensified efforts to increase women’s participation in the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), launching the northern phase of a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at addressing the country’s longstanding gender imbalance within the security sector.
The campaign, which officially commenced in Bong County, will continue across Lofa and Nimba counties as part of a broader national initiative designed to encourage more Liberian women and girls to pursue careers in the military. The outreach seeks to educate the public about the role of women in national defense while challenging social and cultural stereotypes that have traditionally discouraged female enlistment.
Speaking during a radio awareness program on Radio Gbarnga, officials from the Ministry of National Defense said the initiative is focused on strengthening public confidence in women’s ability to serve in the military and encouraging greater family and community support for female recruits.
According to the Ministry, women currently make up only 7.4 percent of the Armed Forces of Liberia, a figure officials described as significantly below both national aspirations and international standards for gender representation in security institutions. The government has set a target of increasing female participation to between 20 and 25 percent by 2030, with a longer-term objective of reaching 30 percent.
The awareness campaign targets high school students, recent graduates, parents, teachers, traditional leaders, religious institutions, women’s organizations, and community groups. Officials believe these stakeholders play a critical role in influencing young women’s career choices and dismantling misconceptions that military service is reserved exclusively for men.
During the engagement, Ministry representatives emphasized that the modern Armed Forces of Liberia offers equal opportunities for qualified women across a wide range of professional fields beyond combat roles. These include medicine, engineering, aviation, intelligence, communications, logistics, information technology, administration, leadership, and peacekeeping operations.
The officials stressed that women have consistently demonstrated professionalism and competence in both national service and international peacekeeping missions, describing them as an indispensable component of a modern, capable, and inclusive military.
The Ministry noted that the campaign forms part of Liberia’s broader commitment to implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which promotes the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and national security institutions. The initiative also supports Liberia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which seeks to strengthen women’s representation in governance and the country’s security architecture.
Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of National Defense, Anthony M.K. Boakai, said the awareness campaign reflects the government’s determination to reverse decades of female underrepresentation within the Armed Forces of Liberia.
He said increasing women’s participation will not only promote gender equality but also strengthen the operational effectiveness, professionalism, and diversity of the military as Liberia continues to modernize its defense sector and expand its contributions to regional and international peacekeeping efforts.
The nationwide awareness campaign is being implemented by the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia with support from UN Women. It forms part of ongoing national efforts to create a more inclusive security sector while ensuring that women are given equal opportunities to serve their country and contribute to national peace, stability, and development.