From civil society to the inner offices of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Mariam Francis represents a deliberate shift in how women engage with policing and public security. Two years into her service, Francis has already carved out a visible role as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, working closely with the Inspector General. Armed with advanced degrees in Criminal Justice and International Relations and a background in leadership programs, she entered the force with a clear aim: to help rebrand policing as a professional, inclusive career path for women.

Francis frames her decision to join the LNP not as a detour, but as an extension of her earlier work in community development and reform advocacy. While she notes that she has not personally faced overt gender discrimination, she identifies a structural barrier within the force that prioritises longevity over qualification – limiting the ability of highly trained young officers, particularly women, to fully contribute. Her position, however, allows her to influence decision‑making while modelling women’s leadership within a traditionally male‑dominated institution.

Beyond the office, Francis uses public engagement to shift perceptions of security from both sides of the badge. Through her radio program, Strong Women in Security, she encourages young women to consider policing while reminding citizens of their shared responsibility in building trust and safety. Her message is clear: investing in women in the security sector is not symbolic, but generational. By holding the door open for those coming after her, Mariam Francis is helping redefine both who policing is for, and what it can become.

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