Public Procurement and Concession Commission Embarks on Gender Responsive Public Procurement Project under Equality and Access

09-11-21

Faye Bogte

Research Intern

Global Human Rights Defence 

The Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) has embarked on a Gender Responsive Public Procurement (GRP) project that is comprehensive and evidence-based, to enhance women-owned business participation in the public procurement process. On 8 November, a workshop was held by GRP together with the PPCC, where attorney Roseline Nagbe-Kowo explained that creating gender parity and access in Liberia’s public procurement procedure is pertinent for their improved participation in bidding processes and compliance with rules. 

Under the Public Procurement and Concessions Act, equality and access are highlighted principles that must be upheld, and activities that are undertaken must be in line with these principles. The workshop held, with the support of the United Nations Women’s Council, is the start of a journey that would assist most women-owned businesses move from the informal to the formal sector, enable knowledgeability about Liberia’s procurement laws and empower participation in tendering processes, according to Roseline Nagbe -Kowo. 

The UN Women Program Specialist, Straven H, Wllie, pledged during the workshop the global body support for women-owned businesses to ensure competitive and gender-balanced procurement. According to him, Liberia demonstrated commitment towards the promotion of gender equality through the development of national policies and legal frameworks that align with their international commitments. 

Equality and access are key principles in public procurement that must be prioritized to enable women-owned businesses the space to positively contribute to the Liberian economy, which is promoted by the GRP project. 

Sources and further reading 

FPA Staff Reporter (9 November 2021). Liberia: Public Procurement and Concession Commission Embarks on Gender Responsive Public Procurement Project under Equality and Access. Front Page Africa. https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-public-procurement-and-concession-commission-embarks-on-gender-responsive-procurement-project-for-women-owned-businesses/.