February 20, 2026 — The Natural Resource Women’s Platform (NRWP) proudly joins the global community in commemorating the United Nations designated World Day of Social Justice. This annual observance calls on governments, civil society organizations, private institutions, and communities to intensify efforts toward fairness, dignity, equity, and inclusive development worldwide. The day highlights the urgent need to address persistent inequalities such as poverty, social exclusion, unemployment, and discrimination, while promoting social protection and decent work for all.
The official 2026 theme, “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” underscores the urgency of dismantling structural barriers and expanding opportunities for marginalized populations. Inclusion is framed not only as a moral imperative but also as a practical foundation for sustainable development, lasting peace, and shared prosperity.
NRWP: Advancing Social Justice in Liberia
In Liberia, the Natural Resource Women’s Platform (NRWP) embodies the spirit of this global observance through its dedicated work to empower women, advance rights, strengthen livelihoods, and promote equitable access to natural resources. NRWP’s community-driven approach reflects the transformative principles of inclusion and justice at the heart of this year’s theme.
Championing Women’s Rights to Land and Resources
Access to land and natural resources is fundamental to economic opportunity and social well-being. Yet, in many Liberian communities, women remain disproportionately excluded from decision-making processes that determine land ownership and resource use. NRWP works to bridge this gap by raising awareness of land governance policies, providing legal literacy training, and supporting women to confidently assert their rights. By enabling women to participate in negotiations and claim legitimate entitlements, NRWP strengthens inclusion and reduces systemic barriers to independence, security, and dignity.
Strengthening Knowledge and Community Awareness
Through research, education, and community dialogues, NRWP highlights the intersection between gender, governance, and natural resource management. By documenting lived experiences, disseminating information on rights protections, and facilitating discussions on equitable governance, NRWP helps build informed communities where women can confidently lead and actively engage in civic processes.
Building Collective Leadership
Central to NRWP’s mission is nurturing leadership among resource-dependent women. By organizing women’s groups, networks, and forums, the Platform amplifies women’s voices in local planning, policy advocacy, and accountability spaces. This collective strength ensures that concerns around equity and justice are not only visible but meaningfully heard and acted upon.
Promoting Economic Inclusion and Sustainable Livelihoods
Social justice requires equitable economic participation. NRWP supports sustainable livelihoods through initiatives that promote agricultural productivity, value addition and processing, market access, and enterprise development. These efforts enhance women’s resilience, enabling them to generate income, build financial stability, and contribute to a stronger and more inclusive local economy.
Policy Engagement and Structural Change
NRWP actively engages policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners to advocate for inclusive policies that protect women’s land and resource rights, expand social protections, and strengthen access to public services. Through evidence-based advocacy, NRWP helps bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical implementation, influencing frameworks that institutionalize equity and justice.
Towards a More Inclusive Future
As the world marks World Day of Social Justice 2026, NRWP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Achieving social justice requires collective will, sustained advocacy, and meaningful partnerships across all sectors. Aligned with the 2026 theme, NRWP will continue to champion initiatives that ensure no one is marginalized, women are centrally included in decisions affecting their lives, and every community member can participate in Liberia’s social and economic development with uncompromising fairness and dignity.