Monrovia, Liberia – December 3, 2025 – The Natural Resource Women Platform (NRWP) joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) under the theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
NRWP highlights the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers that limit access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, justice, and representation for persons with disabilities in Liberia. Women and girls with disabilities face intersecting discrimination, leaving them at heightened risk of poverty and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved unless the rights, priorities, and leadership of persons with disabilities—especially women and girls in rural communities—are visible, respected, and incorporated at every level of national development,” said NRWP leadership.
Key Advocacy Priorities
- Promote disability-inclusive policies and governance structures
- Expand livelihood and empowerment opportunities for women with disabilities
- Strengthen prevention and response to SGBV, ensuring access to justice and survivor-centered support
- Amplify voices and leadership of women with disabilities
- Advocate for disability-inclusive climate financing and protection of women environmental defenders
Persistent Challenges
Persons with disabilities continue to face limited access to education and employment, stigma and discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure and services, heightened exposure to SGBV, exclusion from leadership, and barriers to climate resilience participation.
Call to Action
NRWP urges government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to:
- Enforce disability rights laws and policies
- Invest in inclusive economic empowerment and livelihoods
- Improve accessibility in public spaces, transport, and communication
- Strengthen justice and protection mechanisms for women and girls with disabilities
- Ensure inclusion in climate adaptation planning and equitable access to climate finance
NRWP’s Commitment
NRWP reaffirms its dedication to advancing disability rights across climate justice, economic empowerment, natural resource governance, and feminist movement building. On IDPD 2025, NRWP celebrates the resilience and leadership of women with disabilities and calls for a fully inclusive Liberia where accessibility, equality, dignity, and opportunity are guaranteed for all.