Congo Town, Monrovia — Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) has capped a six-week capacity-building program by certifying 23 fellows in its Next Gen Feminism initiative, an effort aimed at empowering young women and girls in social justice advocacy, innovation, and broader equity work in Liberia.
The program invites participants to explore how feminism intersects with race, class, sexuality, disability, and other identities. Fellows engaged in interactive discussions, creative workshops, and community-rooted projects that ground learning in both historical context and contemporary realities. Rather than studying feminism in the abstract, they experienced it as an active, living force shaping their world and empowering them to lead with bold, collaborative problem-solving.
By fostering intergenerational dialogue, the program creates space for shared experiences, strategies, and visions for sustainable change in Liberia. Through the six-week journey, fellows tackled issues such as women’s inclusion in decision-making and the intersection of gender with cultural norms.
The Next Gen Feminism cohort’s Graduation Ceremony, held on October 1, 2025 at Musu Spot in Congo Town, marked a milestone in empowering Liberia’s next generation of feminists. More than 75 stakeholders—feminist advocates and representatives from organizations influencing women’s leadership in Liberia—attended. A reflection video showcased the group’s work and lessons learned, complemented by a panel discussion.
Delivering remarks, Naomi Tulay-Solanke, Executive Director of CHI, said the fellows are now equipped with tools, knowledge, and networks to drive meaningful change in their communities. She described the cohort as a space for collaboration, learning, and sharing best practices in advocacy, digital activism, and community mobilization. “As we move forward, my expectations for this cohort are high. I encourage you to engage fully, challenge the status quo, and bring your unique perspectives to the table. Embrace collaboration and support one another as you navigate the complexities of this work. Next Gen Feminism is not just about individual empowerment; it is about collective action and solidarity,” she concluded.
A keynote address by Aminata Kamara praised equality, integrity, and social justice for all, stating, “The future belongs to those who believe in equality and justice. Feminism has never been about comfort but about courage. The world does not change when we whisper; it changes when we insist and demand.” Counselor Tonieh Wiles emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue and thanked CHI for cultivating a new generation of feminists. “As things change, our mission as feminists shouldn’t change. Feminism is a movement of solidarity grounded in inclusion and consistency, even in the face of backlashes.”
Impact stories were shared by Saoballah P. Borbor, a Next Gen Fellow, who said the program is not a flame but a light guiding their path: “You matter. A girl in a small moment is raising her hand with no fear; a mother choosing her path freely; a boy learning that strength has many shapes and kindness is one of them. You can wear softness like armor, you can cry and still be strong; you can be anything without apology.” She added that the cohort’s recommendations include including men in the next cohort to learn as allies.
Shirley Pauline reflected on how the sessions reminded her of her mother’s strengths and the importance of fighting for girls and women, speaking for justice because she knows what it feels like to be treated unfairly.
The event concluded with a call to broaden the program’s reach and reinforce ongoing mentorship to sustain momentum for Liberia’s young feminists.
