My return to Liberia

Last Friday I returned to Liberia. My senses took in a rush of the forgotten yet familiar: musty smells, the sounds of generators mixed with the hum of old cars, the feel of sticky sweat in the humid heat, the sights of small shops, gated compounds, and messaged billboards. I’m not sure if I was more struck by the familiarity or by the way in which every new piece of scenery stuck out like, well, a white person walking down the streets of Liberia – newly paved roads, extra lanes, billboards for DHL and FedEx, gas stations with bright lights and glass windows, a new business center, fresh paint. Certainly nothing drastic, but signs of a year’s worth of development nonetheless.

I will be here for the next year working for the Government of Liberia as an advisor to the Minister of Gender. My work is supported and made possible by the Scott Family Fellows Program, set up to bring technical support to those at the upper levels of President Sirleaf’s administration. (Find out more about the program, my colleagues, and their work here.) My particular position in the Ministry of Gender is funded through the Nike Foundation – the nonprofit side of Nike dedicated to investments in girls around the world.

As I post this blog today, a new program for Liberia was announced at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. An employment program for young women, this joint endeavor between Nike Foundation, the World Bank and the Government of Liberia was the first commitment spotlighted by President Clinton at this year’s event. My job will be to support the Government of Liberia in the launch of this effort -- The Girl Effect Liberia.

President Clinton, with President Sirleaf, announcing the Nike Foundation's commitment to Liberia for the Young Women's Employment Program. (Thanks to Molly Kinder for this amazing photo from the inside!)

After spending nearly 3 months in the Ministry of Gender last summer for my graduate school internship (the topic of all previous blog postings), I feel privileged to be back for this next year. In my opinion, there is no country more deserving, and in need of, immediate delivery of development. No cause that deserves greater attention and focus. No colleagues more devoted and passionate about their work.

Thank you to the Center for Global Development, JSI R&T Inc, and the Nike Foundation for their generous support of the fellowship program. Most importantly, thank you to President Sirleaf, Minister Gayflor and the Government of Liberia. I feel most honored to be welcomed back.