Liberia: Women Legislative Caucus Pushes for Budgetary Allocation, Inducts New Core of Officers

The Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL) has inducted new leadership with a call for budgetary support. The occasion which took place on May 27,2025, instated Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh of Margibi as Chairperson of the Caucus.

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By:Laymah Kollie, contributing writer

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Officers inducted will steer the affairs of the Caucus for the next three years. Those elected are: Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh-Chairperson Representative Prescilla Abram Cooper, Co-Chair on National Affairs and  Representative Rugie Yatu Barry- Co-Chair on International Affairs

Others are:  Representative Bintu Massalay-Secretary, Representative Julie Fatorma Wiah-Financial Secretary
and  Rep. Gbessie Sonii-Feika-Treasurer

Addressing the congregation, the new Chairperson Rep. Ellen Attah-Wreh outlined key plans the body intends to implement during its term of office.  Their strategic plan for 2024 to 2028 lays out four priorities to include: strengthening the legislative function by promoting gender sensitive law making and championing specific laws, support gender parity in leadership, and reflect the realities of women and girls across Liberia.

The WLCL also plans to  implement an oversight role by advocating for gender-responsive budgeting and holding institutions accountable for delivering on policies and programs meant to serve women.

Further on WLCL’s plight is to increase women’s participation in politics, supporting young women entering leadership, and working with communities to make political spaces more open, accessible, and safe. While at the same time strengthening the Women’s Legislative Caucus institution by improving internal operations, communications, and the sustainability of the Secretariat.

“We need enforceable provisions. Across all of this work, we know the barriers women face remain serious. Most women still lack access to information, political financing, and networks of support. Many carry the full burden of care responsibilities. Others are threatened or silenced when they try to lead. These are not side issues, they go to the heart of why representation remains so low.” Wreh said.

The ceremony was graced by national and international partners, civil society actors, government officials amongst others.
In attendance were the Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, UN Women, the Embassy of South Africa, Irish Embassy, UNDP, Female Journalists Association of Liberia amongst others.

Meanwhile, madam Comfort Lamptey, Country Representative for UN Women in Liberia emphasised the importance of women’s representation at the national legislature.

According to Madam Lamptey, female representation is not just about numbers, but it’s about building the system where women will have a fair chance to run, to lead and to shift national decisions. She reaffirmed UN Women commitment to supporting women in Liberia.

“Let me reaffirm UN Women commitment to support the women legislative caucus and all women activities in Liberia”