MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Ministry of Education is rallying partners to empower one thousand young women in tech by 2028 in Liberia.

The ministry and partners launched a high-level push to scale the Liberian Girls Can Code Initiative (LGCCI) in the country recently, to enhance the empowerment process.

The initiative is a three-year program aimed at equipping young women aged 18 to 24 years with cutting-edge skills in digital literacy and cybersecurity.

It also aims at closing Liberia’s gender gap in technology and preparing a new generation of female leaders in the digital economy.

During the launch, Deputy Education Minister for Administration Hon. Atty. Nyekeh Forkpa, presiding on behalf of Minister Jarso Jallah, opened the roundtable discussion by emphasizing the urgency of equipping girls with critical digital skills, structured in three progressive phases.

Minister Forkpa said,” The program will begin with national assessment and bootcamps, scale up through the establishment of regional learning centers and curriculum integration, and culminate in a national tech showcase with long-term sustainability strategies”.

Deputy Minister Nyekeh Forkpa facilitated an inclusive and results-driven dialogue that sets a strong foundation for LGCCI’s success.

At the same time, Assistant Minister for Technical and Vocational Education, Nathaniel Cisco, noted that the program aligns with Liberia’s digital transformation agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He called on all partners to work collectively to realize the full potential of the initiative.

Meanwhile, the UN Women Country Representative applauded the Ministry for building on the continental African Girls Can Code Initiative, emphasizing that African girls must be creators and leaders in the digital revolution.

Partners at the launch include Ecowas, UN Women Orange Liberia, Lonestar MTN, Stella Maris Polytechnic University, University of Liberia, Book Before Boys, the Federation of Liberian Youth, and pledging their support to advance gender equity in technology.