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ADNews-Monrovia: The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MoFDP), has officially launched the Gender Disaggregated Data Survey Report, a critical step toward improving the quality, effectiveness, and reliability of data used in national development planning and monitoring.
The launch ceremony, held at Monrovia City Hall on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, brought together officials from various Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) as well as international development partners.
Speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Deputy Finance Minister for Administration, Bill Jones McGill, emphasized the significance of the report in shaping Liberia’s development strategies.
“Access to quality and reliable data is essential for informed decision-making and effective policy implementation,” McGill said. “But more importantly, gender-disaggregated data is vital to address the conditions of marginalized populations—women, girls, men, boys, and people with disabilities.”
McGill acknowledged the historical challenge of obtaining credible data, which he said has hindered effective service delivery and planning across sectors. He noted that the government has taken steps to integrate gender considerations into national planning and budgeting, resulting in the Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting Policy and the establishment of a specialized unit within the Ministry.
Despite these advances, McGill admitted that the lack of reliable data has continued to obstruct efforts to address inequality and marginalization.
“Our development sectors have long been constrained by data gaps. This made it essential to collaborate with partners like the World Bank to conduct this Gender Disaggregated Survey. It focuses on three key sectors—education, health, and agriculture—to generate a robust dataset for addressing inequality.”
The Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS) provided technical support for the survey, and a national consultant was hired to compile the report based on the survey’s findings.
McGill hailed the launch of the report as a “monumental milestone” that lays the groundwork for evidence-based, inclusive planning and budgeting moving forward.
In a special remark, River Gee County District #3 Representative, Johnson S.N. Williams Sr., described the launch as a “life-changing event.” He commended the efforts of UN Women, the European Union, the World Bank, and LISGIS for their instrumental roles in developing tools to tackle gender inequality.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I pledge our full support to this initiative,” Rep. Williams stated, affirming the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring the program achieves its intended goals.
Political Officer of the Swedish Embassy, Ms. Felicia Ubbesen, also praised the Ministry’s initiative and reaffirmed Sweden’s partnership with Liberia in promoting gender equality.
“Gender equality means creating equal opportunities for both men and women in every aspect of life,” Ubbesen said. “With women making up half of Liberia’s population, sustainable development is impossible if they are excluded or hindered from achieving their full potential.”
She added that the goals of the survey align closely with Sweden’s development cooperation with Liberia.
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