(4th Street Sinkor-January 28, 2025)_ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, in collaboration with its partners, has concluded a one-day technical review meeting on the agency’s draft Gender Policy. The event took place at the EPA’s Green Conference Room on 4th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, and was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), UN Women, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), alongside EPA staff and other stakeholders.

The meeting aimed to review and finalize the draft Gender Policy, which seeks to promote gender equity within the EPA and address gender-related challenges in its programs and operations.

In his remarks, EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, stressed the importance of gender inclusion and highlighted President Joseph Boakai’s efforts to increase women’s participation in leadership. He noted that the President’s administration has achieved 39% female representation at the ministerial level, 31% at the deputy ministerial level, and 40% at the superintendent level.

Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo also pointed out the EPA’s progress in addressing gender issues, including elevating the Gender Coordinator to senior management to ensure that gender concerns are part of high-level discussions. He urged participants to provide actionable recommendations for the draft policy, describing it as a critical tool for achieving gender equity within the agency.

Speaking on behalf of the MGCSP, Henry MK Jabbie, Head of the Gender Social Inclusion Unit, emphasized the need to prioritize gender inclusion for people in rural and hard-to-reach areas, as well as for individuals living with disabilities.

UN Women’s National Project Officer, Alsha Kamara, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting gender equality initiatives. She encouraged participants to work collaboratively to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the gender mainstreaming process.

Arthur R.M. Becker, Manager of the Department of Multilateral Environmental Agreements at the EPA, acknowledged the Ministry of Gender’s guidance in developing gender policies across government institutions. He commended the efforts of the EPA’s Gender Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Biah, for her proactive steps in advancing the process.

The meeting concluded with participants pledging their support to finalize and implement the Gender Policy, ensuring that it serves as a guide for promoting gender equity and social inclusion at the EPA and beyond.