Women CSOs to Hold Intergenerational Dialogue to Boost Women’s Political Leadership Ahead of 2029 Elections
By Laymah Kollie
January 26, 2026
Monrovia: The Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH), in collaboration with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Liberia Chapter, is set to host a one-day Intergenerational Dialogue aimed at strengthening women’s political leadership as Liberia prepares for the 2029 general elections.
The national dialogue, scheduled for Tuesday at the Ballroom of the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, brings together women legislators, seasoned and emerging women leaders, civil society actors, youth representatives, and selected allies to reflect on recent electoral experiences and chart strategies for increased women’s participation in governance.
Organizers say the initiative comes amid persistent underrepresentation of women in Liberia’s political and decision-making spaces, a challenge compounded by weak enforcement of gender quotas, violence against women in politics, and deeply rooted social norms that continue to limit women’s leadership opportunities.
The program features opening remarks, a keynote address, thematic panel discussions, and moderated intergenerational roundtable sessions. Key discussions will center on 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 main objectives: to promote young women’s political leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and stronger intergenerational networks, and to generate 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 role of men and boys in advancing positive social change.
About 60 participants are expected to attend, with women making up approximately 85 percent of the group and men 15 percent. The gathering includes young women leaders between the ages of 18 and 35, experienced women leaders aged 35 and above, and a limited number of male participants, including HeForShe allies and institutional representatives.
Organizers disclosed that participants were selected through a transparent nomination process coordinated by ORWOCH and AWLN Liberia, drawing 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, commitment to gender equality, diversity across age, sector, and geography, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue.
The dialogue is expected to promote stronger intergenerational relationships among women leaders and allies, as well as concrete recommendations on electoral reforms, gender-responsive legal frameworks, and strategies to shift harmful social norms.
Youth-led perspectives and expert insights are expected to shape 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 forms part of a continental network working to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in political, social, and economic decision-making.
