Liberia Makes History with Female Defense Minister

ADF STAFF

Retired Brig. Gen. Geraldine Janet George’s long, decorated career began in 2006 and culminated in late April, when the Liberian Senate confirmed her as the nation’s first female defense minister.

George, who also is the first Liberian woman to earn the rank of brigadier general, has said she was inspired to serve her country after she saw it destroyed by the 14-year civil war that ended in 2003.

“When the civil crisis came and I saw how civilians were treated and how people in this uniform treated civilians, I felt that I could make a difference when I wear this uniform,” George said in a 2022 interview. “Where people would be respected, and people would respect the uniform.”

George was part of the first cohort of Soldiers of the restructured Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and steadily rose through the ranks. A former AFL deputy chief of staff, George has held positions including infantry brigade commander and leadership roles relating to personnel and operations.

She served in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali and was awarded the prestigious U.N. Medal in 2017. George is a graduate of the College of West Africa and earned a master’s degree in international relations from Webster University in the United States. She also has received special training in intelligence, counterterrorism, public sector management and administration of justice.

George had served as the country’s acting defense minister since February.

During her nomination hearing, George told Sen. Abraham Darius Dillon that she already had a set agenda and blueprint to improve the military so that it could better collaborate with other security institutions in the country.

Sen. Botoe Kanneh thanked George for her service.

“You are not just a woman, but you are a qualified professional for this job,” Kanneh said.

In a 2021 interview with the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, George said that about 28% of the AFL was female, but she and others were working to expand that through recruitment, outreach and policies to better accommodate female Soldiers.

But, she said, women must show their value to the armed forces to be fully accepted.

“Getting females on board is not just about the number,” George said. “It’s about being competent. You have to show that you have worked hard, and you have earned that position.”

She added that she hopes others will follow her lead and aspire to leadership roles.

“I have set the example for a lot of females,” George said. “I have broken that traditional rule that says it’s a men’s world and only the men can be in the military. Women can also be part of the force and they can even do better, whether in leadership or whatsoever position.”