(New York, March 18, 2025)–The Ministry of Health (MoH), through its Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, is participating in the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025. Quitina Cooper-Davis, Director of the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, represents the MoH and contributes to discussions on advancing women’s health and social inclusion. The CSW session brings together over 4,000 participants, including global leaders, policymakers, activists, and advocates, to assess progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event aligns with ongoing International Women’s Day celebrations and serves as a platform for strategic dialogue on strengthening women’s rights worldwide.

Liberia’s delegation to the CSW is led by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP). The Ministry of Health plays a key role in highlighting women’s health issues, gender-based violence (GBV), and inclusive healthcare policies. The delegation has engaged in high-level discussions, emphasizing the importance of accessible and gender-responsive healthcare services in achieving sustainable development. A key highlight of Liberia’s participation was a special address delivered by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who underscored the country’s achievements in gender equality while calling for renewed efforts to bridge existing gaps. The session also featured side events on gender-based violence, women’s political participation, and economic empowerment, where Liberia’s contributions and challenges were extensively discussed.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, renowned Liberian artist Miatta Fahnbulleh delivered a captivating performance, celebrating African heritage and resilience. This year’s CSW marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA), a historic commitment to advancing gender equality.

Discussions have centered on the progress achieved, persisting challenges, and the urgent need for transformative policies that translate commitments into measurable outcomes. Participants have called on governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies to take concrete steps in eliminating systemic barriers against women, ensuring that gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. The Ministry of Health remains committed to promoting gender-inclusive health policies and will continue to advocate for women’s rights, access to quality healthcare, and social inclusion at both national and international levels.