Monrovia- A survey supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation and National Democratic Institute has revealed that Women’s political participation remains a major challenge in Liberia especially in the House of Senate and Representatives.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-[email protected]
The report implemented by journalist Grace William Joshua highlighted that during the just-ended October 10 general elections, the campaigning mode was not inclusive of both genders. Funding and election violence also remain a serious challenge for female candidates.
Despite the agreement of the 30% gender quota of women’s participation signed by political parties, the report shows that during the election, women were missing from the mainstream discourse and men had access to fair representation and meaningful participation in the electoral process than women.
Some of the factors that contributed to female candidates losing elections were traditional beliefs and cultural practices among others, the report indicated.
“The 2023 elections were a decisive opportunity for Liberia to make progress on gender equality, yet the performances of parties concerning the 30% gender quotas is extremely disappointing. Despite all of this challenge some women were able to beat the storm and came out victorious after their election,” the report stated.
According to research conducted, eight lawmakers, seven representatives, and one senator were elected during the October 10, 2023 polls, which is somehow three times less than the previous elections in 2017.
“The Data from NEC shows that new female lawmakers are now representing some of the most traditional counties in Liberia such as Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Bong, and Lofa,” the report indicates.
It added: “Although three female incumbents were defeated, one senator was gained, a total of three females in the Senate presently. In Montserrado, the largest county with seventeen districts, only two districts were won by a female candidate. So, whilst the numbers may appear to be low, women are being represented in strategic counties.”
Even though there are no legislated gender quotas in Liberia, structural barriers to women’s equal participation in political life can be addressed through temporary special measures with a specific target. Political parties can also provide financial support to women candidates not only for their nomination fees but also for their campaign work during the election period.
Liberia ranks gender-based violence (GBV) as the most important rights issue that the government and society must address. Citizens are evenly divided on how often GBV occurs in their community: Half (50%) say violence against women and girls is “somewhat” or “very” common.
During the survey, many defeated candidates were interviewed on women’s political participation.
Defeated female candidate Winifred Ganuem of districts #4 Nimba county, expressed that during the election, contesting in a male-dominated and traditionally influenced space women were not allowed to equally participate and campaign.
Madam Ganuem added that even with all of these challenges she doesn’t feel comfortable not winning. She is confident of engaging and being actively involved in politics in the future.
From Montserrado County we interview former representative candidate Siah Tandanpolie. A daughter of former Representative Saah Tandanpolie, according to her contesting in a male-dominant election does not serve as a tool of fear for her anymore.
She said her experiences after contesting three times and losing to a male candidate have helped her realize that women candidates cannot win elections without funding, adding that most of the voters’ minds are fixed on receiving money because that is the system they were introduced to by male candidates.
Madam Tandanpolie said she is willing to engage in politics even with all of these challenges.
During the survey, the former Representative candidate of Rivercess County, District #2, Madam Ruth Sawmadal, contested on the ruling party ticket (CDC) but lost the elections.
According to her, even though she was selected on a white ballot by the party, the party still supported a male candidate against her as an independent.
Madam Sawmadal said most of the political party endorsement for women candidates was a result of the 30 % gender quota signed by political parties and the National Election Commission.
“Most of the political parties never believed in supporting or working with female candidates as a result most females did not receive the support they needed from their parties. Most parties had a male candidate contesting as an independent in the district with female candidates on their ballots,” Madam Sawmadal was quoted in the report.
Also, one of the lead advocates for women’s political participation, Madam Caroline Armah from the civil society community provides recommendations for female candidates.
She recommended that if there should be an election today; females should support one another without excuses adding that female leadership is mostly far better to work with than males.
She concluded by saying, that most of the time females lose elections because of late engagement and lack of early preparation and financial support.
This reporting was supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation and National Democratic Institute (NDI) members of the New Alliance to End Violence Against Women in Politics and the Media.
“Most of the political parties never believed in supporting or working with female candidates as a result most females did not receive the support they needed from their parties. Most parties had a male candidate contesting as an independent in the district with female candidates on their ballots,” Madam Sawmadal was quoted in the report.
Also, one of the lead advocates for women’s political participation, Madam Caroline Armah from the civil society community provides recommendations for female candidates. She recommended that if there should be an election today; females should support one another without excuses adding that female leadership is mostly far better to work with than males.
She concluded by saying, that most of the time females lose elections because of late engagement and lack of early preparation and financial support.
This reporting was supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation and National Democratic Institute (NDI) members of the New Alliance to End Violence Against Women in Politics and the Media.