Integrating Women into Liberia's New Security Forces

Liberia's history of armed conflict and military dictatorship mandate a renewal of civil-military relations. As such, Liberia's security sector reform not only includes the rebuilding and retraining of the national army and police, but also endeavors to reach out to women to join its ranks—the Sirleaf administration has set a goal of 20 percent women in the police and military. Female officers are particularly instrumental in combating gender-based crimes, which experts stress are at very high levels as a result of Liberia's long civil war. However, women face unique challenges in joining the security forces—such as a lower levels of educational attainment and negative experiences with past security forces.

• How are the Liberian government and international community addressing these challenges?
• How are women being encouraged to join the security forces?
• How can women's involvement in security sector reform help change the image of the security forces?

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