By: David S. Johnson | Staff Reporter | Email: [email protected] | Monrovia
Across West Africa, women have historically served as the tireless backbone of political movements—organizing grassroots rallies, mobilizing voters, and driving campaign momentum through every electoral cycle. Yet, once the ballots are counted and council doors close on budget negotiations and policy development, women remain starkly underrepresented in the rooms where critical governance decisions are made. Spearheading the charge to dismantle these systemic barriers, the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) Liberia is redefining how political capacity is built across the nation. By shifting the focus from seasonal electoral mobilization to long-term governance expertise, NIMD Liberia is actively equipping a new generation of female political strategists to move beyond party lines and master the machinery of statecraft.
At the center of this transformative effort, NIMD Liberia—in partnership with UNDP Liberia and UN Women through the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), with funding from the European Union and the Embassies of Ireland and Sweden—convened twenty-six emerging women leaders from thirteen distinct political parties for an intensive Democracy School from September 21–25, 2026. Convened at the Fair Ground in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, the flagship initiative demonstrated NIMD’s signature approach: creating a safe, multi-party environment where partisan divides give way to shared democratic purpose. Through rigorous coursework, NIMD Liberia guided participants through the inner workings of County Administrations, County Councils, and local decentralization frameworks, ensuring that these leaders left not just with political ambitions, but with the technical tools required to influence policy and oversee public resources.
A core focus of NIMD’s practical curriculum centered on demystifying local governance and economic oversight. Participants were provided with simplified copies of their respective County Development Agendas (CDAs), learning how to analyze local budgets, monitor public development projects, engage municipal officials, and hold government accountable to community needs. Highlighting the impact of NIMD’s mission, Eddie D. Jarwolo, Executive Director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, delivered a compelling presentation on decentralization, reminding participants that true democratic empowerment brings women directly into the rooms where budget decisions and policy choices occur. Recognizing the evolving digital landscape, NIMD Liberia also integrated hands-on modules on digital self-profiling, online safety, and strategic communications led by media expert Thomas Kojo Diah, giving these leaders the skills to build impactful public profiles, defend against online harassment, and communicate issue-based platforms directly to their constituents.
Beyond technical mastery, NIMD Liberia’s democracy school model built lasting cross-party solidarity among women who previously viewed one another solely through a competitive lens. This collective power was emphasized in a keynote address by legal practitioner Counselor Moriah Yeakula, who challenged the cohort to view leadership as a shared responsibility—urging every woman who breaks through political barriers to open the door wider for others rather than acting as a blocker. By placing NIMD Liberia’s vision at the forefront of democratic reform, this landmark initiative has set a new benchmark for political capacity building in West Africa. The twenty-six graduates depart Grand Bassa County fully prepared not only to advocate for their parties, but to lead local councils, shape public policy, and drive Liberia toward a more inclusive, equitable, and accountable democratic future.
David S Johnson
David S. Johnson is a seasoned Liberian investigative journalist and multimedia professional who has been active in the media industry since 2016. After serving in various reporting and administrative roles for several prominent local news outlets, he transitioned into media ownership as the founder of The Point Africa News and Media Consultancy Agency Inc. Based in Monrovia, his registered agency provides a comprehensive blend of local, regional, and global news coverage.
