A delegation from the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL), in partnership with UN Women Liberia, is embarking on a South-South Peer Learning Mission to India under the project « Women Legislators in Liberia: Promoting Voice, Leadership and Gender-Responsive Governance for Sustainable Development, » funded by the IBSA Fund (India, Brazil, South Africa) through the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and implemented by UN Women Liberia and the WLCL.
The mission runs from 10 to 16 August 2026 in New Delhi. The delegation will engage directly with Indian counterparts on women’s political leadership, gender-responsive governance, and sustainable development.
The delegation comprises 12 members of the National Legislature, 9 Members of the House of Representatives and 3 Senators, together with 3 Secretariat staff and a staff member from UN Women Liberia. The delegation includes both women and men legislators and will be hosted by UN Women India.
The mission marks the first South-South exchange under the IBSA Fund project. During the visit, the delegation will meet Indian Members of Parliament, government ministries, parliamentary institutions, civil society organisations, research institutions, and women’s groups to exchange experience on approaches that have strengthened women’s participation in governance and decision-making.
The programme covers women’s political participation, gender-responsive budgeting, prevention of and response to violence against women, the care economy, women’s economic empowerment, and strengthening women’s legislative leadership.
The delegation will also visit India’s One Stop Centre (Sakhi) model for survivors of gender-based violence, women’s Self-Help Groups under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, childcare initiatives under the Palna Scheme, and women’s entrepreneurship programmes.
« This mission presents a significant opportunity for the Women’s Legislative Caucus to draw on India’s extensive experience in advancing gender equality through legislation, public policy, and institutional reform. The knowledge and practical lessons we gain will directly inform our ongoing work on women’s political participation, gender-responsive budgeting, legislative oversight, responses to gender-based violence, and economic opportunities for women and girls across Liberia. »
Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Representative, District, 3, Margibi County, Chair, Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia
» The Liberia-India Legislative Exchange is a testament to the growing power of South-South cooperation. India has built decades of experiences in advancing women’s political participation, from constitutional reservations in local government to community-level economic empowerment models that have transformed the lives of millions of women. By bringing Liberian legislators into direct conversations with their Indian counterparts, we are facilitating knowledge informed dialogues and experience sharing to promote sustainable change. The IBSA Fund has made this cross-regional knowledge exchange possible, and we are confident that what the lessons learnt in India will shape a gender responsive legislative agenda and advocacy for years to come in Liberia. UN Women Liberia is proud to be part of this critical journey.”
Dr. A. H. Monjurul Kabir, Representative, District, 3, Margibi County, UN Women Representative, Liberia
Women hold 11 of the 103 seats in Liberia’s National Legislature, less than 11 per cent. Advocacy to increasing representation is part of the WLCL’s Strategic Plan (2026–2029), including advocacy for a mandatory gender quota ahead of the 2029 elections. Beyond representation, the Caucus works on issues including child rights, education, and economic opportunities for women and girls. Its members, women and men, see gender equality as central to good governance. The participation of both in this mission reflects that shared commitment.
The Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia is committed to policies and legislation that advance gender equality, strengthen democratic governance, and expand opportunities for women and girls in Liberia.
ABOUT THE IBSA FUND The India–Brazil–South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) is a South-South cooperation mechanism established by India, Brazil, and South Africa to support development projects addressing poverty and hunger in developing countries. The Fund is managed by UNOSSC and implemented through UN Women Liberia and the WLCL.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women – Africa.
