First days in Monrovia!

I arrived in Monrovia two days ago. So far things have been a little bit crazy. I have moved three times in 2 days because the housing was not completely sorted out but due to the confusion I end up staying at a beach resort this first week. After that...no idea where the Government is going to placed me but I am keeping an open mind and a smile so far.

I have not really start working yet because the NIC is moving. They are switching buildings this week and everyone is just focus on that. I also found out that my boss is out of the country for two weeks.
However I have been talking to other people at the NIC and all of them say there is a lot of work, so I am still very optimistic about the work this summer.

What I have seen of the country so far...nice beach and super friendly people. They definitely make you feel welcome.

I am having the impression that this will be a great summer...

First post: Welcome!

Hello! And welcome to my blog!

Here is a little bit about myself and my upcoming internship. I am a student at the Harvard Kennedy School and I am finishing my first year at the Master in Public Administration and International Development (MPAID) program. This summer I will spend 10 weeks working as an intern at the National Investment Commission (NIC) in the Government of Liberia.

 In the last 14 years Liberia experienced a civil war that left around half of Liberian women as survivors of gender-based violence. Nowadays, even with Liberia as the first African country with a female president and a constitution that prohibits discrimination based on gender, many women still experience violence and inequality of opportunities. The NIC of Liberia plays a key role in closing the gender gap through private sector development by enabling women to participate in the private sector and improving their quality of employment at small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

One of my main tasks working at the NIC this summer will be to focus on improving the business climate and regulatory investment framework to create new economic opportunities for SMEs. These reforms will benefit mostly female-headed and other informal enterprises where the monetary and time costs of doing business are higher

This will be my first time in Africa and I am very excited about the work but also about all the amazing experiences I am sure I will have.   This internship is only possible because of the Harvard Women and Public Policy Program and the Cultural Bridge Fellowship and I want to thank the donors very much for their support and for offering me this opportunity.

 Lucero