MONROVIA – In observance of World Contraceptive Day 2025, Youth Arise 4 Development (YA4D), in collaboration with the FP2030 CSO Focal Point and with support from the FP2030 North, West, and Central Africa Regional Hub and the Ministry of Health, successfully convened a high-level multi-stakeholder meeting at TuMi’s Compound, Zinnah Hill, Paynesville. The event brought together youth-led organizations, civil society groups, government representatives, development partners, and international agencies to reflect on Liberia’s family planning progress and strengthen collaborative strategies for advancing reproductive health.
The meeting provided a platform to assess Liberia’s Annual FP2030 Self-Report, redefine the roles of civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth in ensuring accountability, and mobilize support for family planning and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) nationwide.
Youth and CSOs Lead the Charge
Participants highlighted the critical role of youth-led organizations and CSOs in monitoring, advocating, and holding stakeholders accountable for Liberia’s FP2030 commitments. Stakeholders agreed on concrete measures to enhance collaboration, inclusivity, and timely submission of the country’s FP2030 self-report, emphasizing transparent and data-driven reporting mechanisms.
Development partners, including the Ministry of Health, FP2030 representatives, and youth networks, pledged sustained technical and strategic support to accelerate progress toward national and global family planning goals. The event received strong media coverage, raising public awareness about the importance of contraceptive access and reproductive health.
Voices from the Event
Jutomue Doetein, Executive Director of Youth Arise 4 Development, underscored the significance of collective responsibility:
“Today, we have not only reflected on Liberia’s journey toward achieving its FP2030 commitments, but we have also reaffirmed our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman, man, and adolescent has access to safe, affordable, and high-quality contraceptive services.”
Sametta George, FP2030 Government Focal Point at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the power of partnerships:
“This gathering demonstrates the power of collaboration—youth CSOs, government, and development partners working together to uphold accountability and ensure progress toward our national and global goals.”
Alice P. Bah of the Adolescent Advisory Panel stressed inclusivity and youth engagement:
“It is essential to include young women and girls, especially those with disabilities, in discussions about their rights and future. We look forward to tangible outcomes in the next five years.”
Yusuf T. Nuhu, Senior Lead for Advocacy and Country Engagement at FP2030’s North, West, and Central Africa Hub, emphasized political will and resource allocation: “Family planning is central to national development. There’s no way any country can fully develop with only part of its population contributing. Every dollar invested in family planning yields significant health and economic benefits.”
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the multi-stakeholder engagement will inform Liberia’s ongoing efforts to improve reproductive health services, reduce unmet need for family planning, promote gender equality, and support sustainable development. The meeting underscored the importance of youth involvement, inclusivity, political commitment, and the fundamental right of all Liberians to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
