Lawodo Nimley Thomas has developed a distinguished career in Liberia at the intersection of gender, economics, and development planning. With more than 20 years of experience as a Regional Planner and Gender Economist, she has contributed to Liberia’s National Development Plans by helping place gender mainstreaming at the center of national priorities. She has led program partnerships and resource mobilization efforts, securing support for initiatives that advance girls’ and women’s empowerment while promoting gender-responsive policies within national frameworks. She has also strengthened capacity-building programs for adolescent girls and women, enabling them to challenge social norms and take part in economic opportunities.

Lawodo currently leads the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. She also serves as Chairperson of the Gender Department within the College of Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Liberia. She holds an MA in Gender Analysis Economics from Makerere University, an MSc in Regional Planning, and a BBA in Management from the University of Liberia.

Impact: Her work shows how gender-focused economic planning can strengthen national development by advancing gender-responsive budgeting, inclusive policymaking, and future-oriented planning.