22/06/2026
On Friday, June 19, 2026, Sister Aid Liberia (SALI), with support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), convened a National Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Women’s Access to Affordable Health Care, Agriculture, and Access to Finance, access to farm to market and Trade Opportunities at the European Union Delegation in Monrovia.
Held under the project, “From Dialogue to Action: Advancing Women’s Priorities Through Political Accountability and Legislative Engagement,” the dialogue brought together lawmakers, government officials, political parties, development partners, civil society organizations, women leaders, and sector experts to examine critical issues affecting the lives, livelihoods, and wellbeing of women across Liberia.
The dialogue was informed by findings from NIMD’s nationwide assessment on women’s priorities, which identified access to affordable healthcare, agricultural development, finance, and trade opportunities as among the most pressing concerns facing women. Through a series of presentations and interactive discussions, participants explored the structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s access to essential services and economic opportunities, while identifying practical policy and legislative actions to address these challenges.
A key highlight of the dialogue was the powerful testimonies shared by women working directly within the agriculture, health, and trade sectors. Madam Nyamah Dunbar, CEO of SANKOFA Farm, provided valuable insights into the realities facing women farmers, including limited access to financing, markets and agricultural inputs. Madam Jodie Reid Seton, Executive Director of LIFE and a woman in the construction sector, spoke on the importance of farm-to-market road connectivity for women farmers. She emphasized that women bear a significant burden when agricultural produce spoils due to poor road conditions and limited access to markets. She called on the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Works to prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of feeder road networks, as well as the provision of storage facilities for women farmers. She further advocated for gender-responsive infrastructure that addresses the specific needs of local farmers, particularly women. Madam Naomi Tulay Solanke, Executive Director of Community Healthcare Initiative, highlighted the alarming rate of maternal mortality and the persistent gaps in healthcare delivery that continue to affect women and girls across Liberia. Madam Saybah Dunyan, President of the Women Cross-Border Traders Association, spoke candidly about the challenges women traders face throughout their business journey - from accessing loans and financial services to navigating border crossings and regional trade systems. Their testimonies underscored both the resilience of Liberian women and the urgent need for responsive policies and investments that address these longstanding barriers.
The dialogue was further enriched by the participation of Hon. Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, who engaged participants on the current state of Liberia’s agricultural sector and highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry to address challenges affecting farmers and agricultural productivity. He also shared information on upcoming initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and improving outcomes for farmers, particularly women, while expressing his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders working to advance women’s economic empowerment.
Throughout the dialogue, participants engaged in robust discussions and direct exchanges with policymakers and sector leaders, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing solutions that improve women’s access to healthcare, agriculture, finance, and trade opportunities. The dialogue concluded with key recommendations that will contribute to the development of a Multi-Stakeholder Action Agenda to guide advocacy, policy engagement, and legislative action on women’s priorities.
At Sister Aid Liberia, we believe that meaningful change begins by listening to women, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that their priorities inform policy and decision-making processes. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and centering women’s lived experiences, we continue to champion a more inclusive and equitable Liberia where women can fully participate, thrive, and contribute to sustainable national development.
The activity falls under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), co-funded by the European Union in Liberia and the Embassies of Embassy of Ireland in Liberia and Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, managed by UNDP and implemented by NIMD Liberia and UN Women Liberia.
