(Margibi County, Liberia – March 23, 2026) — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender-responsive healthcare, describing gender equality as a cornerstone in strengthening Liberia’s health system.

Speaking through her proxy at celebrations marking International Women’s Day in Margibi County, the Deputy Minister for Administration, Martha C. Morris, emphasized that the observance must extend beyond ceremony to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Deputy Minister, Technical Assistant Susan T. Kleeme stressed that this year’s theme, “Give to Gain: Delivering Gender Responsive Healthcare Services Now,” should inspire concrete actions aimed at addressing persistent inequalities in access to healthcare.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of women across the globe, Liberia, and the health system,” Kleeme said. “But we also recognize the urgent need to address inequities that continue to shape women’s lives, particularly in accessing responsive health services.”

She described the theme as both a call to action and a message of hope, noting that meaningful progress requires deliberate and sustained interventions.

“This celebration demands that we take appropriate actions to ensure that every woman has access to health services that respect her dignity and meet her needs,” she added.

International Women’s Day is globally observed each March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality.

Kleeme also conveyed greetings from the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to gender equity and improved health outcomes for women.

“I bring you greetings from the Honorable Minister of Health, who would have loved to be here, as delivering gender-responsive health services remains at the peak of her administration, as demonstrated by the ongoing fight against maternal and neonatal mortality,” she noted.

She lauded the Ministry’s Gender and Social Inclusion Unit (GSIU), headed by Quitina Cooper Davis, for its sustained advocacy and leadership in mainstreaming gender across health policies and programs.

“You have demonstrated commitment and perseverance over the years in advancing gender issues in health, even when no one is watching. Thank you, and keep up the good work,” she said.

According to her, the GSIU serves as the central coordinating body for integrating gender considerations into the Ministry’s policies, programs, and budgets, ensuring inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery for all.

She further highlighted ongoing interventions targeting workplace and service delivery challenges, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

“Through policy guidance, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building programs, the Unit works to prevent, mitigate, and respond to incidents of sexual harassment, workplace violence, and abuse, while promoting a safe and inclusive environment,” she stated.

Kleeme disclosed that, with support from partners including Partners In Health, Catholic Relief Services, and Sightsavers International, the Ministry has developed a draft safeguarding policy currently awaiting validation and rollout.

“The Unit has produced a zero draft Safeguarding Policy, which is now awaiting validation. A Technical Working Group has also been established to guide its implementation and mobilize resources,” she added.

On national efforts, she acknowledged the role of the Government of Liberia under Joseph Nyumah Boakai in advancing gender inclusion in the health sector.

“We appreciate the government’s leadership and the direction provided by the Minister of Health, through which the health sector is on the right trajectory toward promoting women’s health and equality,” she asserted.

Kleeme emphasized that empowering women yields far-reaching societal benefits.

“Women multiply everything that is given to them. When supported with fair opportunities, they multiply prosperity, lifting families and communities out of poverty,” she said.

Drawing parallels with healthcare delivery, she added that access to gender-responsive services leads to improved well-being across communities.

“A healthy woman raises healthy children, sustains strong families, and builds resilient communities,” she noted.

However, she cautioned that gender-responsive healthcare must not be viewed as charity.

“Gender-responsive healthcare is not charity; it is justice,” she stressed, calling for a multidimensional approach that prioritizes women’s health.

She further urged increased investment and policy reforms to support women’s advancement.

“To give is to invest. As a people, communities, and government, we must allocate resources, provide support, and reform policies that enable women to achieve their full potential,” she said.

Kleeme paid tribute to women working across Liberia’s health sector, including nurses, midwives, administrators, and community health workers.

“The Ministry of Health joins this call to action, honoring the thousands of women who power Liberia’s health system and deliver care to the last mile,” she added.

She concluded with a renewed commitment from the Ministry.

“The Ministry of Health remains dedicated to ensuring that no woman, girl, or individual is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare, dignity, and opportunity,” she declared.

For her part, Margibi County Gender Coordinator Danilette D. Asilton praised women for their resilience and contributions to society.

“Happy International Women’s Day to all selfless women in this hall and around the world,” she said, drawing applause from participants.

She urged stakeholders to reflect on both the achievements and challenges facing women.

“As we celebrate this historic day, we must take a closer look at the role women play in the workplace, as well as the challenges they face, yet never turning away from the cries and joys of people around them,” she noted.

Speaking on the theme, Asilton emphasized women’s enduring sacrifices and strength.

“Women have given more and continue to give, regardless of where they find themselves,” she added.

Using vivid imagery, she described women as both nurturers and defenders of society.

“Women have long worked in the kitchen, sustaining families, but today they are also brave soldiers who walk into the fiercest battles, no matter the circumstances,” she said.

Meanwhile, the GSIU reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery nationwide.

Head of the Unit, Quitina Cooper Davis, said efforts remain focused on integrating women, girls, and vulnerable populations into national health programs and policies.

“The GSIU remains steadfast in promoting gender-responsive healthcare services that leave no one behind,” she said.

She stressed that International Women’s Day should serve not only as a celebration but also as a call to sustained action.

“We must continue to break barriers, challenge inequalities, and create safe spaces where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” she said.

Madam Davis also underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving lasting impact, noting ongoing efforts to mainstream gender and social inclusion across all levels of healthcare delivery.