By Grace Q. Bryant
The European Union and the Government of Liberia have signed the Gender and Support Measures Financing Agreements, marking a significant step toward empowering women and driving sustainable development.
This investment is over US $20 million.
The signing ceremony was held in Monrovia at the Ministry of Finance, which was attended by representatives from the Liberian government, the UN system, and civil society organizations, all of whom play a critical role in implementing the initiative.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Erica Garrison, Director of Human Development, Migration, Governance, and Peace at the European Commission, highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for Liberia.
She noted that the EU, along with member states such as Ireland, Sweden, France, and Germany, provides an annual average of $100 million in assistance to the country.
These funds support governance, accountability, and civil society organizations (CSOs) in strengthening Liberia’s institutional frameworks.
One of the key initiatives signed during the event is the Spotlight Initiative, a global program launched in collaboration with the United Nations to address gender-based violence.
The first phase of the initiative began in 2017, with Liberia as a beneficiary. The newly signed Spotlight Initiative Phase Two aims to build upon previous successes by further strengthening Liberia’s efforts to protect women and girls from violence.
Garrison stressed that addressing gender-based violence requires a long-term commitment, and the EU remains a reliable partner in this effort.
Garrison emphasized that gender equality is a core principle in all EU programs, as it is essential for inclusive societal development.
“Violence against women and girls happens everywhere in the world. One in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence, which is simply unacceptable,” she stated.
She also highlighted Liberia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
The EU’s continued support for Liberia underscores its broader strategy of fostering governance, peace, and human development across Africa.
Through collaborative efforts with national and international partners, the EU seeks to drive sustainable change and improve the lives of women and girls in Liberia and beyond.
The UN Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Liberia in combating gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices, as part of an ongoing partnership under the Spotlight Initiative, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration in addressing these critical issues.
“This partnership comes at a crucial time, building upon the achievements of the initial phase of the Spotlight Initiative. Through community engagement, service delivery, and awareness campaigns, we have seen real progress in the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of women’s rights,” she said.
The initiative, which aligns with Liberia’s National Development Plan and the UN Cooperation Framework, aims to help the country advance toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A key focus is supporting alternative livelihoods for former female genital mutilation (FGM) practitioners.
Madam Umutoni highlighted a recent visit to Soca Town, where vocational training programs have provided new opportunities for women transitioning away from FGM practices.
“We respect tradition, but we also emphasize the importance of modern, progressive rites of passage for young girls. The concept of ‘initiation without limitation’ allows for alternative cultural practices that protect girls from harm while preserving community values,” he noted.
The newly signed program represents a major step in strengthening national efforts to protect women and girls.
The UN commended the Liberian government’s proactive role in championing these initiatives and acknowledged the leadership of the European Union in providing continued financial and technical support.
“With strong national ownership and community-driven action, we can ensure lasting change. The UN remains committed to working alongside the government, civil society, and international partners to build a Liberia free from gender-based violence and discrimination,” she added.
Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan emphasized the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind, particularly those who lack the means to advocate for themselves.
“This support does not go to the government budget but to civil society organizations and the UN system to provide services that will benefit Liberia,” he stated.
According to him, the initiative will mobilize resources for women’s rights organizations and NGOs, ensuring broader support for victims of injustice.
Ngafuan also addressed concerns about economic stability, highlighting Liberia’s record-breaking domestic resource mobilization of nearly $700 million last year.
He credited the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) for its efforts and announced plans to enhance revenue collection further, including transitioning from a Goods and Services Tax (GST) to a Value-Added Tax (VAT) system.
In addition to the gender-focused support, Ngafuan revealed that the EU will provide €56 million in budgetary support over three years, with discussions underway on specific allocations.
The government aims to channel these funds into transformative projects that will have a lasting impact on Liberia’s development.
The Finance Minister reaffirmed Liberia’s dedication to increasing self-reliance while strengthening partnerships with international organizations, including the UN, to address pressing social and economic challenges.