MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia has reaffirmed its leadership in advancing gender equality in diplomacy and governance with the validation of its Gender-Responsive Feminist Foreign Policy Roadmap.

Acting Foreign Minister Cllr. Deweh Gray said,” Liberia stands as the first African country to chart the course toward a Gender-Responsive Foreign Policy, positioning itself at the forefront of continental and global efforts to embed gender equality and human rights into foreign policy”.

Addressing a high-level engagement at the Foreign Ministry over the weekend, Minister Gray also underscored that Liberia remains the first country in Africa to formally commit to pursuing a Feminist Foreign Policy, following the Government of Liberia’s decision in February 2024.

According to her, Liberia’s commitment is deeply rooted in its proud legacy of women-led peacebuilding, governance, and advocacy for inclusive development.

The Acting Foreign Minister added that with Liberia’s election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, the country will leverage the platform to advocate strongly for the empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

Meanwhile, UN Women Representative, Comfort Lamptey, has pledged the organization’s continued support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in achieving the objectives of the roadmap.

Madam Lamptey said,” UN-Women-Liberia is proud to work with the Foreign Ministry to make Liberia a model for Africa and the world in integrating gender equality and feminist principles into foreign policy.

Liberia’s leadership on feminist diplomacy has been reinforced by multiple achievements, including Membership in the Global Feminist Foreign Policy-Plus Group, which brings together countries dedicated to embedding gender equality in foreign policy.

A Foreign Ministry release also highlighted extensive national consultations with government institutions, civil society organizations, youth networks, and international partners to ensure inclusivity in shaping the roadmap.

The release further noted that Liberia’s active participation in the African Union High-Level Meeting on Feminist Foreign Policy demonstrates its continental leadership in this area.