The workshop, held on September 4–5, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and groups representing persons with disabilities. The two-day workshop, which aimed to gather expert input on the draft manual, is designed to promote gender mainstreaming, accountability, and inclusion across Liberia’s land sector.
Speaking during the opening session, Julius B. Kawa, LLA’s Director for Land Policy and Planning, underscored the importance of the document, urging participants to provide critical feedback that would strengthen its relevance and impact.
“This manual is a tool to guide the LLA and its partners in promoting gender equality and protecting women’s land rights, including the rights of persons living with disabilities,” Kawa said. “Your expertise is vital in shaping a framework that addresses existing gaps and advances equitable access to land for women.”
Participants echoed Kawa’s call, emphasizing the need for a standardized legal framework to protect women, girls, youth, and persons with disabilities. They highlighted how such a framework would align with the Land Rights Act of 2018 and other laws supporting gender equity.
Representing LANDESA, Madam Gmasoah T. Aboah, a Land Tenure Specialist, reaffirmed her organization’s longstanding partnership with the LLA. “A standardized approach to gender mainstreaming is essential to guide all actors in Liberia’s land sector,” Madam Aboah stated. “LANDESA remains committed to supporting the LLA and its Gender Division in advancing women’s land rights and promoting inclusion across communities.”
The two-day technical session featured group discussions, presentations, and exchanges of field experiences. Participants examined how societal perceptions and traditional practices continue to affect women, youth, and marginalized groups, calling for practical strategies to address these challenges.
At the close of the workshop, representatives from key institutions, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Concessions, and other land sector actors, commended the LLA for its leadership. They praised the Authority’s efforts to advance Liberia’s land reform agenda, particularly by prioritizing women’s land rights, gender equality, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
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