ADF STAFF
Retired Brig. Gen. Geraldine George was confirmed as Liberia’s minister of defense in April 2024, marking the first time a woman has held the position. George enlisted in the Army in 2006 after the end of the country’s civil war and held positions including infantry brigade commander and leadership roles relating to personnel and operations. She served as deputy chief of staff for six years.
In a 2022 interview to launch a book called “Living Legends,” George said her first passion was the law, but after witnessing the destruction her country experienced in the civil war, she thought she could have a greater impact as part of the rebuilt Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
“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,” she said. “Where people would be respected and people would respect the uniform.”
George served in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Mali and was awarded the United Nations Medal in 2017. She holds a master’s degree in international relations and has received special training in intelligence, counterterrorism, public sector management and administration of justice.
In a 2021 interview for the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, George said only about 3% 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 have to show their value to the armed forces to be fully accepted.
“Getting females on board is not just about the number,” she 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. 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.”
George serves at a particularly difficult time. The previous minister of defense was forced to resign amid protests by wives of AFL Soldiers over housing conditions, pay and retirement benefits.