MONROVIA, Liberia: Women working in Liberia’s renewable energy sector took a visible step forward this year as staff of the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA) participated for the first time in the country’s national International Women’s Day celebration.
Their presence at the event signaled growing female representation in a sector traditionally dominated by men, while reinforcing national calls for stronger support for women’s leadership and economic participation.
The celebration brought together hundreds of women from government agencies, civil society groups, and development organizations under the theme “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development.” The gathering served as both a celebration of progress and a platform to highlight the role women play in Liberia’s development.
Addressing the occasion, First Lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai stressed that empowering women remains critical to Liberia’s future. She called for sustained investments in education, leadership opportunities, and economic empowerment programs aimed at expanding women’s participation in national growth.
The First Lady also urged policymakers and institutions to strengthen gender-responsive policies that protect women’s rights and eliminate systemic barriers limiting their full participation in society.
For RREA’s women, their participation represented more than a ceremonial appearance. It marked a public recognition of their growing involvement in advancing renewable energy solutions that bring electricity to rural communities across Liberia.
Oretha Bundoo Seh, RREA’s Communication and Visibility Officer, noted that women are increasingly contributing to the energy sector through innovation, leadership, and technical expertise.
She emphasized that women’s involvement in renewable energy projects is helping transform communities by expanding access to sustainable power while creating new opportunities for local development.
During the program, several prominent Liberian women were also honored for their contributions to advancing women’s rights and leadership. Among those recognized were Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, Facia Boyenoh Harris, and Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who have played significant roles in peacebuilding, women’s advocacy, and addressing gender-based violence.
RREA officials say the agency remains committed to promoting gender inclusion within the renewable energy sector by encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers and leadership roles in the field.
As Liberia continues to expand access to renewable energy, the participation of RREA’s women at the national celebration highlighted a broader shift — one that recognizes the growing influence of women in shaping the country’s sustainable development agenda.
The moment underscored a wider message echoed throughout the celebration: that empowering women across every sector, including energy, is essential for Liberia’s inclusive growth and national progress.
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