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Ministry of Local Government Concludes Two‑Day Gender Action Plan Guidelines Training for County Development Planning and Implementation Processes

Ministry of Local Government Concludes Two‑Day Gender Action Plan Guidelines Training for County Development Planning and Implementation Processes

On May 2, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government, with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) through UN Women Liberia, successfully concluded a two‑day workshop focused on developing Gender Action Plan Guidelines to mainstream gender in county development planning, implementation, and monitoring processes. The training brought together female County Development Officers and Gender & Inclusion Officers from County Development Planning Units across ten counties: Rivercess, Grand Bassa, Margibi, Montserrado, Gbarpolu, Bomi, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, and Bong. Similar sessions have already been conducted for five southeastern counties, ensuring nationwide coverage and inclusivity. 

Empowering Citizens and Communities 

Opening the workshop, Assistant Minister for Research, Policy and Planning, Hon. D. Emmanuel Wheinyue, highlighted that the training forms part of the project “Empowering Citizens and Communities to Foster Social Accountability and Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery.” He emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen accountability while empowering women and youth to play active roles in local development planning and service delivery. Since its inception, the Ministry of Local Government, formerly the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has led extensive capacity‑building programs for County Service Center staff, County Development Units, County Councils, and County Security Councils, with technical expertise from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, and the Governance Commission. 

Advancing Decentralization and Gender Equality 

Minister Wheinyue noted that the initiative has significantly advanced the implementation of Chapter 5 of the Local Government Act, which mandates the establishment of County Development Planning Units in each county. These units, supervised by County Development Officers, are responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development initiatives. He reminded participants that Minister F. Sakila Nyumalin Sr. is deliberate about decentralization reforms, stressing that inclusive planning and development will be the hallmark of his administration. The opening session was graced by Hon. Ojay Morris, Superintendent of Margibi County, and Mayor Eddie G. Seyboe of Kakata, who reaffirmed their support for gender mainstreaming in local governance. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between county leadership and municipal authorities in ensuring that gender equality is not only a policy goal but a practical reality in everyday governance. 

Looking Ahead 

The Gender Action Plan Guidelines training is expected to: 

  • Equip county officials with tools to integrate gender perspectives into development planning. 

  • Strengthen accountability mechanisms through sex‑disaggregated data and impact assessments. 

  • Ensure that women and youth are meaningfully included in decision‑making processes. 

  • Advance Liberia’s decentralization agenda by embedding inclusivity at the county level. 

By mainstreaming gender into county development planning, the Ministry of Local Government is laying the foundation for more inclusive, equitable, and accountable governance across Liberia. 

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