First Lady Boakai Meets UNFPA Liberia Delegation

(Monrovia, February 28, 2024) – The Office of First Lady Kartumu Y. Boakai, over the weekend, held fruitful discussions with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA Liberia Country Team, headed by Madam Bidisha Pillai, on a number of issues surrounding women and girls’ empowerment.

During the meeting, Mrs. Boakai commended UNFPA, noting that its various interventions, particularly in ending maternal mortality and teenage pregnancy, among others, remain fundamental to alleviating some of the major challenges confronting women and girls.

Mrs. Boakai, however, stressed the need for more collaborative efforts between the government and its many partners, which is why she noted that such strategic engagements with relevant stakeholders were paramount.

Held at the First Lady’s Executive Mansion office, the meeting also enabled the two institutions to exchange notes on their respective aspirations and initiatives, exploring potential opportunities for partnership.

For her part, Madam Pillai reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to partnering with the government of Liberia, including Mrs. Boakai’s office, in various ways possible to elevate the voices of women and seek sustainable solutions to their plights.

Also speaking, Liberia’s immediate former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, who had accompanied the UNFPA country team, congratulated Mrs. Boakai on her ascendency to the Office of First Lady.

Madam Howard-Taylor, a one-time First Lady of Liberia, assured Mrs. Boakai of her support. –Press release