By Bill W. Cooper
The Unity Party-led government, under Joseph Boakai, has accomplished a significant milestone by the appointment of Geraldine George as Liberia’s Minister of National Defense.
Madam George, when confirmed by the Liberian Senate, will be the first woman to hold such position in the country’s history, a feat that aligns with the country’s push for 30 percent women’s participation in the governance of the State.
This latest appointment by President Boakai comes while she serves as Acting Defense Minister, a position she has occupied since February 13, 2024, amidst protests led by women purported to be the wives of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) that resulted in the resignation of Prince C. Johnson.
Johnson was forced to step down on Monday, February 12, 2024, following days of protestation, wherein he was accused of being responsible for their low wages and poor living conditions in military barracks while serving as Chief of Staff of the Army.
Earlier, Madam George was appointed by the Liberian leader as the Deputy Minister for Administration in the Ministry of National Defense, sending a message that Liberia is on the verge of achieving its push for the 30 percent gender quota.
The decision of Madam George’s appointment as Acting Minister initially raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her appointment, but her track record of service and leadership within the military speaks volumes about her qualifications for the role.
George, a graduate of the College of West Africa (CWA), holds a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations, Webster University, USA, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from African Methodist Episcopal Zion University College, Monrovia.
She also obtained several certificates, including Intelligence, Fight against Terrorism from Rome, Italy; Administration of Justice, Liberia Institute of Public Administration, Monrovia, and Public Sector Management, Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone.
Geraldine also has military training certificates in Military Police Basic Officer Leadership Course, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, USA, and a Company Commander Course from the Rwanda Military Academy in GAKO, Rwanda.
George’s military career dates back on July 24, 2006, when she successfully enlisted in the Army as part of the first batch of soldiers of the restructured Armed Forces of Liberia during the rebuilding period that followed the country’s second civil war, and stands at the helm of building a ‘force for good’.
She has served in various posts in the Armed Forces of Liberia, including an Acting Commander-23rd Infantry Brigade, Military Police Company Commander -23rd Infantry Brigade and Brigade S-5, CIMIC Officer- 23rd Infantry Brigade.
The retired brigadier has also served as a Provost Marshal- 23rd Infantry Brigade, Legal Officer-Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters, and Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS)- Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters for the last six years.
Adding on the list, Geraldine also held posts of an Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (ACOS J1) (2x)-Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters, and Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation (ACOS J3) (2x) -Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters.
Furthermore, she bagged awards and authorizations: Distinguished Graduate Advance Individual Training, December 22, 2006; Pistol Classification Sharpshooter, January 2008; and the United Nations Medal (MINUSMA), September 28, 2017.
As it relates to authorization, she is authorized to wear Fort Leavenworth School Badge from the Command and General Staff College, legitimate to wear the International Students Military Badge, and approved to wear the Basic Military Police School Badge.
Meanwhile, Liberia has witnessed other women holding higher positions, starting with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Liberian politician who served as the 24th President from 2006 to 2018, becoming the first elected female Head of State in Africa.
Followed by the former Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who then became Liberia’s first female Vice president, and Senate Pro-tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, who is also the country’s first elected female Senate Pro-temp.
The appointment of Brigadier General George further signals a new era of inclusivity and gender equality in the highest stratums of power, reflecting Liberia’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and representation in leadership positions.
As the first female Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Geraldine George stands as a symbol of hope and progress for women in Liberia and beyond, as her appointment not only breaks barriers, but also paves the way for future generations of women to aspire to leadership roles in the military and beyond.
