Liberia: UN pledges $500,000 for gender equality

Hailing Liberia’s new President, UN fund pledges $500,000 to support gender equality

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) today announced that it has pledged $500,000 to Liberia while congratulating the country on the inauguration of its new President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female to head an African nation.

The money will be used to support Liberia’s Ministry of Gender and Development, and women’s organizations that promote gender equality and peace in the country.

“UNIFEM is proud to have supported the Ministry of Gender and Development, and women's organizing throughout Liberia to reach this truly historic achievement," said Noeleen Heyzer, the Fund’s executive director, who attended the inauguration.

Vabah Gayflor, Liberia’s Minister of Gender and Development, paid tribute to UNIFEM's long history of working with Liberian women. “They stood with us when we were mobilizing to support women's candidacy and leadership in the parliamentary and presidential elections.”

UNIFEM said it will mobilize its partners to respond to Liberia’s priorities in promoting gender equality.

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