By Grace Q. Bryant
A landmark meeting was held in Monrovia to advance Liberia’s National Policy on Girls’ Education (NPGE) and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for girls.
The high-level gathering brought together government officials, international partners, and civil society representatives, all united to create equitable access to education for girls across Liberia.
The meeting included a detailed presentation on the NPGE, underscoring its alignment with Liberia’s Education Sector Plan (ESP) and its commitment to addressing persistent barriers like early marriage, limited resources, unsafe learning environments, and cultural norms that restrict girls’ educational opportunities.
Developed for the 2021-2026 period, the NPGE aims to increase access to affordable, quality education and promote gender equity within the educational system.
Through targeted investments, policy reforms, and community engagement, the NPGE provides a roadmap for improving girls’ education across the country.
The Educate HER Coalition, a collaborative force advocating for girls’ education, has played a vital role in supporting the NPGE.
Backed by the Educate HER Consortium, which includes two prominent women-led civil society organizations, Helping Our People Excel (HOPE) and Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI), the coalition drives initiatives that promote gender equality in education through strategic partnerships and advocacy.
The push to update Liberia’s National Policy on girls’ Education initially began as the 2006 policy became outdated in light of new legislative and social frameworks, including the 2011 Education Reform Act, which guarantees free, compulsory education through the ninth grade.
The revised NPGE aligns with Liberia’s evolving context and is built on global educational goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Education 2030 Incheon Declaration, both established in 2015.
The NPGE envisions a Liberia free from gender-based disparities, where boys and girls enjoy equal access to quality education.
Its overarching goal is to foster an environment that promotes gender equality in education access, training, and management across all levels.
Minister of Education Jarso Jallah, emphasized the transformative impact of educating girls, stressing that it is vital to Liberia’s economic development as well as its progress in health, gender equality, and social inclusion.
She highlighted that the government’s strategy includes the NPGE, the Education Sector Plan, and the IRSIE project, each designed to dismantle obstacles that prevent girls from obtaining quality education.
International partners, including the World Bank, UNICEF, Save the Children, and ESSA, pledged strong support through both funding and technical expertise to ensure the policy’s success.
These organizations underscored their commitment to building a sustainable and adaptable plan that will lead to enduring educational opportunities for girls across Liberia.
The meeting concluded with participants affirming a collective commitment to the NPGE’s implementation, with a focus on ongoing monitoring, accountability, and collaboration between government agencies, donors, civil society, and the private sector.
Participants expressed optimism that with this unified approach, Liberia will move closer to a future where every girl has access to quality education, propelling the country toward greater social progress, gender equity, and prosperity.
