Liberia’s Second Lady, Synleseh Stephenie Dahn Koung, is set to unveil a groundbreaking national initiative on Friday, targeting the empowerment of women and girls living with disabilities across the country.
The program, titled “Empower Her,” represents a major stride toward economic inclusion and independence. It will provide free vocational training, business mentorship, and startup support for over 300 women and girls with disabilities nationwide.
From Dialogue to Action
The “Empower Her” initiative was conceived following Liberia’s first-ever National Conference on the Status of Women with Disabilities, held in March 2025, where more than 600 participants deliberated on key issues affecting women with disabilities, from healthcare and education to social protection and economic opportunity.
“In our March conference, we listened, we learned, and now we are acting,”
— Second Lady Synleseh Stephenie Dahn Koung
Mrs. Koung emphasized that the project’s true essence goes beyond skill-building; “Empower Her is about more than training. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.”
Inclusive Partnerships
The Second Lady credited the program’s rollout to collaboration between national institutions and international development partners, underscoring a shared vision of empowering Liberia’s most vulnerable women.
Among those expected at the official launch is Ms. Hanane Ait Aissa, founder of Startup Grow Foundation in Morocco, widely recognized for her work in inclusive entrepreneurship and women’s leadership across Africa.
“This initiative reflects a growing continental movement to ensure that women with disabilities are not left behind in national development agendas,” Madam Koung noted.
A Turning Point for Women’s Empowerment
Known for her compassion and advocacy for marginalized groups, Liberia’s Second Lady described the launch as “a new day for women who have long been overlooked.”
“I believe in the power of women, no matter their physical condition. Empower Her is about renewing hope and unlocking potential that society has too often ignored.”
National Impact
As Liberia moves to strengthen its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, Empower Her stands out as a symbol of progress and collective responsibility. The project promises to open new doors of opportunity, giving hundreds of resilient women the means to build sustainable livelihoods and reclaim their voices in national development.
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