By Edwin N. Khakie
MONROVIA, October 15, 2026 – The ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) has concluded a one-day executive masterclass in Monrovia, calling for increased opportunities for women entrepreneurs and greater female participation in political leadership across West Africa.
Held in the main chamber of the House of Representatives, the gathering brought together female lawmakers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss barriers preventing women-owned businesses from expanding into regional and international markets.
The event, hosted by Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, ECOFEPA’s public relations officer, emphasized the connection between women’s economic independence and their participation in political decision-making.
Participants highlighted limited access to financing, complicated customs procedures, export certification requirements and inadequate market connections as major obstacles confronting women entrepreneurs.
Delivering a goodwill message, Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence called for greater investment in young, qualified and competent women to strengthen their participation in business and public leadership.
She emphasized that empowering women economically and politically is essential to West Africa’s development and democratic stability.
Karnga-Lawrence encouraged women to develop their professional skills, pursue leadership opportunities and expand their businesses beyond local markets.
The discussions also focused on practical measures to improve women’s access to credit, business training, government procurement opportunities and export markets.
Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that regional trade agreements create meaningful opportunities for women-owned enterprises.
The gathering further underscored the need to translate policies and commitments into measurable improvements in women’s access to financing, public contracts and international trade.
ECOFEPA’s initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to strengthen women’s economic participation and increase their representation in political leadership and decision-making across ECOWAS member states.
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