Paynesville — The Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia has issued a strong call to action for young women across Liberia to rise into leadership, stressing the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in governance and decision-making.

By Patience M. Jones- patiencejones@frontpageafrica.com

Speaking Tuesday at the official launch of the Academy for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment, held at the Naymote Partners for Democratic Development office in Paynesville, outside Monrovia,  the WONGOSOL Executive Director described the initiative as a timely intervention at a critical moment in Liberia’s development.

She noted that although women constitute nearly half of the country’s population, they occupy only about 11 percent of seats in the National Legislature.

“This is not because women lack intelligence or the capacity to lead,” she emphasized. “It is because the systems around us have not been designed to fully include us. The barriers are real.”

According to her, entrenched cultural and social norms continue to discourage female leadership, while economic constraints—particularly limited access to financial resources—make political participation more difficult for women.

She further highlighted challenges including violence, intimidation, and exclusion in political spaces, as well as the disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities placed on women without adequate structural support.

Referencing findings from the Civil Service Agency gender assessment, the Executive Director disclosed that women account for only about 23 percent of the government workforce and approximately 15 percent of appointed positions.

“These figures show that when women are missing from leadership, it is not by chance. It is the result of systems that must be challenged and transformed,” she said.

Describing AWLE as more than just a training initiative, she called it “a platform for transformation” aimed at grooming a new generation of women leaders equipped to influence policies and reshape governance structures.

She stressed that promoting women’s leadership is not only a moral obligation but also essential for national development, justice, and the protection of rights.

The Executive Director also referenced key legal and policy frameworks supporting gender equality, including the 1986 Constitution of Liberia—particularly Article 11, which guarantees equality before the law—as well as the National Gender Policy and ongoing efforts to develop a new National Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

At the international level, she pointed to instruments such as the Maputo Protocol and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, noting that while these frameworks exist, the key challenge lies in implementation.

“These frameworks are not the problem,” she said.

“The gap between commitment and implementation remains our biggest challenge.”

Delivering a motivational message to participants, she urged them to embrace leadership with confidence and determination.

“You are not here by chance. You represent a generation that must rise differently—moving from participation to power, from presence to influence, and from silence to voice,” she said.

Reaffirming WONGOSOL’s commitment to supporting women’s leadership journeys, she concluded with a strong call to action:

“Do not wait to be invited into leadership. Prepare yourself, step forward, and take your place, because Liberia cannot move forward if women are left behind.”

The Academy for Women’s Leadership and Empowerment (AWLE) is designed to bridge gender gaps by providing practical, high-impact training and fostering a strong network for emerging and active women leaders across Liberia.

Meanwhile, Madam Luopu Garmi Blackie, Dean of the Department of Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research at the University of Liberia, underscored the importance of strengthening women’s political participation during the opening of a Gender-Based Advocacy Training.

Addressing participants, partners, and stakeholders, she welcomed attendees on behalf of the College and expressed appreciation to the organizers for creating a platform to enhance women’s advocacy skills and political engagement.

 She emphasized that the initiative provides an opportunity for women to strengthen their voices and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes at community and national levels.

Madam Blackie noted that the training comes at a critical time, as women across Liberia continue to face barriers such as gender stereotypes, limited access to information and networks, intimidation, unequal power dynamics and resource constraints.

She stressed that these challenges not only hinder individual progress but also weaken democratic representation by limiting diverse perspectives in governance.

She described the training as a strategic intervention to promote inclusive governance and ensure women’s voices are reflected in key areas such as law-making, peacebuilding, budgeting and public accountability.

She added that equipping women with practical advocacy tools will enable them to navigate political spaces with greater confidence and effectiveness.

The Dean highlighted three key commitments guiding the training: fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment, promoting gender-aware and evidence-based advocacy and strengthening partnerships and networks.

She emphasized that advocacy must be grounded in lived experiences, informed by data, and supported through collaboration with civil society, media and community stakeholders.

She further pointed out that women’s political participation is closely linked to broader gender justice issues, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful cultural practices and stressed the importance of engaging men as allies in advancing equality.

Encouraging participants to take full advantage of the training, Madam Blackie urged them to actively engage, share experiences and develop practical strategies applicable within their communities. She also called on stakeholders to sustain support beyond the training through mentorship, policy engagement and resource provision.

She recognized the efforts of organizations, including the Advancing Young Women’s Leadership and Political Participation in Liberia and WONGOSOL, for their continued advocacy and commitment to promoting women’s leadership.

In closing, she congratulated the organizers and partners and officially declared the Gender-Based Advocacy Training for Women’s Political Participation in Liberia open, expressing hope for productive discussions and meaningful outcomes.

Monrovia – The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), with support from the UN Women Liberia on Friday, December 5, 2025, presented findings of a research report on assessing local governance and service delivery in Liberia.

The research, conducted in four (4) counties in November 2025, offers a comprehensive analysis of citizens’ perceptions of local governance, service delivery, and participatory development in Liberia. The report, amongst others, seeks to shape policy discussions, and mobilize collective efforts for governance reform and accountability, in line with the government of Liberia’s national development agenda –the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and UN Women’s priority of promoting inclusive, transparent, and gender-responsive governance.  

In his remarks during official launch of the report in Monrovia, Hon. Emmanuel Wheinyue, Assistant Minister for Research and Development Planning at the Ministry of Local Government, formerly the Ministry of Internal Affairs, described the report as a critical tool for increased policy intervention to improving service delivery across Liberia. On behalf of the ministry, he committed to use findings of the report as tools for policy intervention aimed at promoting inclusive, accountable, and impactful public service delivery, especially at the local level.

Conducted in November 2025 through a structured Kobo Collect questionnaire administered by trained volunteers and researchers, the research engaged 385 respondents, comprising 183 females (or 48 percent) and 202 males (or 52 percent), across diverse demographic and social categories. A majority of respondents, 54 percent, were youth under the age of 35, with private citizens, youth groups, and women’s groups forming the largest categories.

Presenting a summary of the report findings, CENTAL’s Project Lead, C. Rogget Chea, highlighted a persistent gap between the promise of decentralization and the lived experiences of citizens. He revealed that governance structures such as County Councils and County Service Centers are recognized, but remain constrained by limited transparency, weak responsiveness, limited financing, and inadequate inclusion of marginalized groups and voices.

Monrovia — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) have officially launched a Qualitative Research Report assessing service delivery and the functionality of local governance structures under Liberia’s decentralization framework.

By Patience M. Jones

The ceremony was held Friday at A’ La Laguna, Congo Town Backroad, with support from UN Women Liberia through the Peacebuilding Fund.

The event brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, county authorities, women’s groups  and persons with disabilities to discuss the findings and policy implications.

CENTAL Presents Overview of Local Governance Project

Providing an overview of the initiative, Roger Hinneh of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) highlighted the purpose and scope of the ongoing project titled Enhancing Citizens Participation in Local Governance.

The initiative, jointly implemented by CENTAL and the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) with support from UN Women, aims to strengthen inclusive participation in local governance across the country.

Mr. Hinneh explained that the project focuses on increasing the involvement of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in county-level decision-making processes. It also seeks to enhance the capacity of local authorities, including County Council members and staff at County Service Centers, to improve service delivery to citizens.

The project is currently being implemented in Nimba, Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Bomi Counties.

 According to Mr. Hinneh, the long-term vision is to ensure that citizens engage local authorities more effectively, demand accountability, and contribute meaningfully to decisions affecting development in their communities.

“We believe local authorities play a major role in Liberia’s development,” he said. “When citizens are empowered to participate and women are fully included, we can achieve a governance structure that benefits the entire country.”

Mr. Hinneh noted that the report launched at the event provides key insights into the state of decentralization in the project counties, how governance structures are functioning, and citizens’ perceptions of service delivery. He encouraged continued collaboration among government stakeholders, civil society, and partners to ensure a more accountable and inclusive governance system nationwide.

CDG Representative Calls for Enhanced Service Delivery Through Local Governance Strengthening

 Georgina Coke, a representative of the Center for Democracy and Governance (CDG), has praised CENTAL and WONGOSOL for their collaborative efforts to improve accountability and citizen engagement in local governance across Liberia. She made the remarks during the launch of a new research report focused on local governance effectiveness.

Coke stated that the newly released findings strongly complement ongoing initiatives being implemented by CDG, NEMOT, and CENTAL under the project titled Strengthening Political Governance and Accountability in Liberia, funded by the Government and people of Ireland.

As part of the initiative, CDG works closely with partners in Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Bong counties, delivering capacity-building trainings to local county councils and civil society organizations. The goal, she emphasized, is to strengthen advocacy for improved public services—particularly within county education and health offices.

“We have been doing this work for more than a year, and we believe that progress is being made,” she said. “This report will serve as a useful guide to further enhance service delivery in counties across Liberia.”

Coke extended appreciation to CENTAL, WONGOSOL, and all collaborating partners for their commitment toward advancing decentralization and responsive governance.

“Congratulations again to the team,” she concluded. “We look forward to the recommendations that this report will offer. Thank you so much.”

The event brought together local officials, civil society leaders, and development partners dedicated to building a more transparent, inclusive, and efficient local governance system in Liberia.

Purpose of the Research

The study aimed to:

Disseminate evidence-based findings to key stakeholders

Promote accountability and reforms in decentralized governance

Strengthen citizen participation, particularly among women, youth, and persons with disabilities

Project Scope

The research was conducted in four counties: Bong, Bomi, Nimba and Grand Gedeh

A total of 385 respondents participated—52% male and 48% female—representing citizens, local authorities, civil society actors, persons with disabilities, and the business community.

Key Findings

The study revealed progress in decentralization but highlighted major gaps in transparency, responsiveness, and inclusion:

The research findings show that while 79% of respondents are aware of county governance structures, only 42% have participated in county-level meetings. Transparency remains a major concern, with just 27% rating County Councils as transparent and 25% saying the same about County Service Centers. Participation of marginalized groups is significantly low as well: only 25% believe women are included in development decision-making, 20% acknowledge youth involvement, and a mere 8% say persons with disabilities are engaged in county governance processes. Additionally, the majority of respondents reported having low to very low influence over decisions related to the County Social Development Fund (CSDF), indicating that citizens continue to feel sidelined in the management of local development resources.

Respondents cited poor communication, lack of invitations, and limited access as key barriers to participation in decision-making processes.

The Superintendent’s office and County Service Centers were ranked among the least responsive service providers, especially regarding national documents such as birth certificates and IDs.

County Performance Comparison:

Nimba— Most active in citizen participation

Bong & Bomi — Moderate progress

Grand Gedeh — Weakest performance across all indicators

CENTAL

Mr. C. Rogget Chea emphasized the project’s goal to strengthen accountability and empower local citizens:

“Local authorities play a major role in Liberia’s development. When citizens are informed and included, decision-making becomes more effective and inclusive.”

UN Women

Speaking on behalf of Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey, Leeneh Yiatte Kiamu noted:

“This report is a critical step toward a more transparent and inclusive local governance system—especially for women, youth, and persons with disabilities who remain largely excluded.”

Government of Liberia — Ministry of Internal Affairs

Deputy/Assistant Minister Emmanuel Wheinyue officially launched the report, commending the research while urging further improvements:

“This report will serve as an important tool for strengthening local governance. However, future assessments must include both documentation and non-documentation services such as health, agriculture, infrastructure, and education core pillars of true decentralization.”

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring:

full implementation of the Local Government Act (2018)

strengthened county councils to promote transparency

decentralization of essential services away from Monrovia

Key Recommendations

Improve communication between county authorities and citizens

Enhance transparency in CSDF and local government decision-making

Strengthen inclusive participation, particularly for marginalized group Boost capacity of both citizens and local authorities

Scale up accountability mechanisms at county and district levels

Liberia Senate Political Advisor Calls for Stronger Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery

Political Advisor at the Liberia Senate, Lasana S. Kanneh, has underscored the urgent need for a more decentralized governance structure to enhance service delivery across the country. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on local governance, Kanneh emphasized the importance of fully implementing the Local Government Act of 2018.

Kanneh noted that while “efforts have been made” since the passage of the Act, more must be done to ensure that local authorities are empowered and citizens in rural communities have easier access to government services.

He highlighted the recently passed Revenue Sharing Bill as a major step toward decentralization, explaining that it allows a portion of national revenues generated in rural counties to remain there for development purposes.

“The development of this country cannot continue to be centralized,” Kanneh stressed. “Almost everything is in Monrovia. Even for a birth certificate or passport, people in the rural areas still have to travel to the capital. These processes must be decentralized.”

He commended CENTAL and its partners for their continued advocacy to strengthen local governance, calling for collective action from civil society, government institutions, and lawmakers to drive accountability and equal service delivery nationwide.

Kanneh reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to advancing reforms that support inclusive governance and ensure that development reaches all counties across Liberia.

“We want the full and overall development of this country,” he said. “We must continue working together to make decentralization a reality.”

Conclusion 

The report underscores the urgency of advancing decentralization to ensure that all Liberians regardless of location — have equal access to public services and meaningful participation in governance.

As Liberia continues implementing local government reforms, stakeholders pledged to use the findings to promote reforms that drive inclusive development and improve service delivery across the country.

Monrovia – The Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) is calling for swift justice and full accountability in the case of Kadiatu Dioh, a 29-year-old woman who died after an alleged domestic assault in Johnsonville.

According to eyewitness accounts, Dioh was attacked with a wooden plank by her husband, Papie Lema Dioh, and another woman believed to be his girlfriend. She sustained serious head injuries during the attack and later died at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia from internal brain bleeding.

WONGOSOL, through its Executive Director Madam Esther S. D. Yango, has strongly condemned the killing and described it as a reflection of the widespread violence many Liberian women face in abusive relationships.

The organization also expressed concern about delays in police action and the apparent lack of transparency surrounding the investigation.

Kadiatu’s family, particularly her sister Hawa Abigail Neewon, disclosed that she had endured years of domestic abuse. Despite earlier interventions by the court and the family, the violence reportedly continued and eventually escalated, leading to her death. 

The family has also expressed frustration over how the Liberia National Police is handling the matter, citing suggestions from authorities that they proceed with burial before an investigation or autopsy report is concluded.

WONGOSOL is demanding the immediate release of the official autopsy and death report, a full and impartial investigation into the events leading to Kadiatu’s death, and the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the alleged assault. 

The organization is also calling for psychosocial support and protection for the deceased’s child and her immediate family, as well as renewed government commitment to ending gender-based violence across Liberia.

Executive Director Yango emphasized that Kadiatu’s case must not be treated as just another statistic and that her life and death must serve as a call to action. She urged human rights institutions, civil society, and the international community to stand with the victim’s family in their quest for justice.

“Kadiatu Dioh’s life mattered. Her voice has been silenced, but ours will not be,” Yango said.

WONGOSOL, established in 1998, is a coordinating body for women’s rights organizations in Liberia and continues to lead national efforts on gender equality, legal reform, and women’s empowerment.

Monrovia, Liberia– In a significant step toward advancing gender equality in Liberia, the Feminist Coalition, through the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), has launched a three-day capacity-building workshop targeting government ministries, agencies, and the Legislature.

By G. Watson Richards, contributing writer

The training is conducted under the theme: “Stronger Together Project,” a coalition initiative led by five women’s rights organizations: WONGOSOL, Medica Liberia, Radical Young Women’s Movement, Sisters for Sisters, and the Liberian Feminist Forum.

The project seeks to strengthen the feminist movement in Liberia by fostering structural, political, and social reforms that promote inclusion, equality, and justice for all.

It is funded by the German Development Cooperation and supported by Medica Liberia and Medidal.

The workshop aims to deepen participants’ understanding of feminist and gender-specific analysis, national and international legal frameworks, and equip them with tools to develop and implement gender-responsive policies within public institutions.

Twenty participants, primarily women—representing key government institutions including the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, the House of Representatives, and various women-led NGOs, are taking part in the training.

Making special remarks at the opening ceremony, Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh, Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, lauded the initiative and emphasized the importance of embedding gender equity into the core of Liberia’s policymaking and governance structures.

 “We must ensure that gender is not an afterthought but a central consideration in all government decisions,” she stated.

“Based on this collaboration, we can draft strong laws, advocate among our male colleagues, and work as equal partners to create lasting change.”

Also speaking at the event, WONGOSOL Membership Head Munah Kieh-Kelly welcomed participants and highlighted the urgency of institutionalizing gender sensitivity in national governance.

“This training is a practical step toward inclusive governance,” said Kieh-Kelly.

“When we build capacity at the policymaking level, we change outcomes for women and girls across Liberia.

Participants are engaging in sessions and group discussions on key issues such as: Gender-responsive budgeting and policy design, Feminist legal analysis and reform, Inclusion of marginalized voices in governance, closing gender gaps in public systems and Addressing gender-based violence within institutional frameworks

Fenny Taylor, Project Lead at Medica Liberia, underscored the value of coalition-based work.

“This collaboration is about transforming structures to work for everyone, especially those who have been historically marginalized,” Taylor said.

“By uniting as women-led organizations, we’re building a sustainable path toward gender justice in Liberia.”

The training is expected to improve inter-agency collaboration, strengthen legislative advocacy for women’s rights, and build institutional capacity for gender-sensitive governance.

The workshop will conclude with a set of draft policy recommendations and a collective commitment from participants to advance gender equity in their respective sectors.

Monrovia – The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) expresses grave concern over the ongoing stalemate within the House of Representatives at the National Legislature, now persisting over a month. 

This prolonged internal conflict has not only disrupted the legislative processes and workings but also stalled critical actions necessary for the progress and well-being of tall Liberians.

WONGOSOL urges all members of the House of Representatives, to prioritize the critical issues boarding on national development and fulfill their responsibility to the Liberian people by moving beyond the crisis, disagree to agree through dialogue for the common good of Liberia.

WONGOSOL reminds the Lawmakers that they are accountable to their constituents, and should therefore act with transparency, respect for the rule of law, and commits to decisions that advance national development and uphold the welfare of all citizens.

As elected Representatives of the 73 districts across Liberia, members of House of Representatives hold a profound responsibility under Article One of the Liberian Constitution. This article establishes the power of the people as the foundation of governance, thereby creating a social contract obliging every official to prioritize the welfare and interests of the Liberian citizens who entrusted them with power. The people of Liberia granted legislators this authority with an expectation of integrity, accountability, and patriotism.

Members of the House of Representatives must commit to fostering an environment of collaboration and transparency, where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected.

WONGOSOL therefore, urge the Legislature to honor this social contract by prioritizing the needs of the Liberian people and reassessing actions that risk further division and stagnation. Liberia’s progress and the lives of its citizens depend on a collective commitment to the public good, not personal or factional interests. Many pressing issues, including widespread drug abuse and the alarming increase in cases of rape and violence against women, girls, and boys, access to available healthcare and education demand immediate legislative attention.

The prolonged dispute has already caused significant disruption and threatens the peace and development of Liberia, which the women of Liberia continue to tirelessly and sacrificially work to help sustain.

WONGOSOL says this situation is happening at a time when Liberia faces numerous challenges, economic, social, and infrastructural; and cannot afford further delays in lawmaking and governance. The formulation of laws and policies which include budgets are essential for national development must be prioritized over individual or factional gains. Therefore, the representatives must focus on national decisions that uplift and protect our nation.

WONGOSOL calls upon every member of the National Legislature to set aside personal interest, uphold the spirit of patriotism which requires bold and courageous action that transcends individual gain. The Liberian people deserve and expect a government that works for them.

Monrovia – The Women Non-Governmental Organization Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) is a Women Rights Organization established to champion the plights of Liberian Women and girls across the country.

By Calvin Brooks, contributing writer

B yet seeks to create the enabling environment by building the capacities of women-led organizations in various aspects such as advocacy for women rights and the fight against gender-based violence which has been instituted over the century by man society as accepted as normalcy. Madam Esther S. Davis Yango is the Executive Director of WONGOSOL who came to the organization as a volunteer in 2012, later became one of its Field-officers. However, based on the increasing number of registered members and the need to have a coordinator to spearhead the affairs of the membership, the Board of Directors and the membership established the Membership Coordinator position of the organization, which she served as the coordinator for over 5-year, managing the affairs of member organizations across the counties. Explaining her role as coordinator, Madam Yango explained said, she served in the position until the demise of the late Executive Director, Madam Marpue M. Speare.

On October 1, 2022, Madam Yango was appointed as WONGOSOL’s Executive Director with the responsibility to steer its affairs.

In a conversation with her over the weekend, the women’s group head narrated that under her leadership, WONGOSOL has made tremendous gains.

One of such is the organization’s five-year strategic plan, which was developed to push the women’s agenda.

The plan will help the organization accomplish its mission and vision, and it’s expected to end in December 2027. Additionally, Madam Yango has also been able to establish a Communication Department to enhance the organization’s visibility and that of its network members. . This medium has expanded advocacy for women and girls- showcasing the work of the organization.

“The establishment of the communication arm serves as a medium for more visibility and awareness of WONGOSOL work ,the communication department serves as a platform for information dissemination to  build relationships with  internal and external stakeholders” she further explained.

Under Madam Yango’s leadership, WONGOSOL has been able to strengthen cordial relationship with government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Internal Affairs, including enhancing good partnership with the Women Legislative Caucus and the Kivnna till Kivnna and United Nations Women.

Through these partnerships, WONGOSOL has worked to ensure that gender-sensitive laws are passed in the interest of the women and girls of Liberia and over the period has realized that women experiencing numerous forms of violence are vulnerable to poor health and the loss of their lives.

In addition, her leadership, according to her, has been able to advocate for women’s Inclusion in the governance structure.

One of such accomplishments was the advocacy for women’s Inclusion in the leadership Structure of Liberia in January, following the inauguration, which has led to a lot of women serving in higher positions.

In January, several women groups led by WONGOSOL gathered at the Capitol Hill to advocate for women’s appointees to serve in government.

 ” We were able to form a solidarity movement and we even wrote out press releases to call the government’s attention to increase women participation in leadership” She added.

She further that most women are experiencing gender-based violence are mostly at risk and lack access to justice and healthcare services noting that  especially for women living in the rural and slum communities, as well as  women identifying as LGBTQIA+.

 According to her,it is important for the government to take an intersectional approach in designing effective laws to respond to the needs of women.

Madam Yango stated that WONGOSOL works to build the capacity of women led organizations to amplify their voices on issues that directly affect them. WONGOSOL continues to work with its members to enhance their capacity in project proposal writing, leadership training and advocacy.

“As a result of these capacities building, women-led organizations are actively engaging into advocacy at the national, county and local levels,we find more women assuming leadership positions’’. She maintained .

She pointed out that more Liberian Women are now seeking legislative positions to represent their people at the National Legislature in government.

Despite all the support and efforts made by CSOs, and international partners and others, Madam Yango highlighted that women still experience discrimination on a daily basis.

There is a pivotal need for protection. This includes their civil rights and freedoms such as political participation and freedom of movement, freedom of information as well as access to justice and protection from violence.

“No women or girl should be denied the rights to education, employment, health including their sexual reproductive rights, but they should have the right to decide and choose how many children she wants, when to get married or attend the bush schools” She asserted.

She pointed out that Liberia, being a signatory to many regional, continental and international laws, has an obligation to design effective laws and policies that will promote gender equality.

Madam Yango called on the government to look at existing laws to identify those that are harmful, and to revise or amend them. “It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that the people both public officials and society at large are adherence to these laws” she said

She stressed the need for government to create an enabling environment for Liberian Women to compete with their male counterparts in every sector of the society.

According to her, there are more qualified and competent Liberian Women who can perform well in any position of their qualification.

She therefore calls on the government of Liberia to ensure that Laws, policies, and regulations amended to create a gender-neutral environment as this is one of the bases to achieve gender equality, including women in the national decision-making processes, most especially the budget and other national planning processes, which is vital to national development.

WONGOSOL boss said, there are several qualified women in Liberia, therefore, the government, who is the major employer, should provide good jobs for women as well as send a signal to broader society.

“The government needs to appoint more women in government, both at the national and local governance level because women participation is crucial toward the socio and economic development of Liberia” Madam Yango lamented.

She emphasized that empowering Liberian women is crucial for achieving gender equality and development in Liberia.

 she highlighted that this cannot be solved by the government alone, noting that the private sector also has a key role to play, but acknowledged that the government needs to create the environment to open up the private sector in order to create work opportunities for women.

Madam Yango cited that the government needs to set an empowering jurisdictive framework, invest in women’s equality, and convene the partnerships that are likely to accelerate progress.

Currently, Madam Yango is also a board member of the Election Coordinating Committee and the Rural Renewable Energy Agency, Member of the Rule of Law Reference Group Librarian, Women in Peacekeeping in West Africa (NOPSWECO).

MONROVIA — The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), along with its network organizations, has begun engaging with the banking sector to build stronger partnerships in a significant move towards fostering women’s economic empowerment.

The initiative aims to address and mitigate the numerous challenges women face when accessing loans and other financial services, thereby enabling them to fully participate in economic activities and entrepreneurial ventures.

WONGOSIL said despite the existence of various loan products tailored to support women, such as SME loans that prioritize women entrepreneurs, the reality remains that obtaining these loans is clouded with challenges. 

These obstacles according to the group are not just financial but also cultural and systemic, making it difficult for several women to benefit from the available financial opportunities.

“Many financial institutions require extensive documentation and collateral; which women often find challenging to provide. This is particularly true for women from marginalized communities who may not have access to the necessary paperwork or assets,” Madam Esther D. Yango, Head of WONGOSOL said. 

The women’s NGO group observed that there is a significant gap in financial literacy among women, which hinders their ability to navigate the banking system and understand the loan application process.

They have also named cultural and societal biases against women and factors that can influence the attitudes of banking staff, leading to discrimination in the loan approval process. 

This bias, WONGOSOL noted, often results in women being considered higher-risk borrowers despite evidence to the contrary.

“Another area that we have observed as a challenge is that women frequently lack access to information about the various financial products and services available to them, making it difficult to take advantage of existing support mechanisms,” Madam Yango remarked.

However, she said WONGOSOL has been engaged with the banking sector and seeks to address these challenges through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, by collaborating with banks. 

This is accordingly to the group, geared at working with financial institutions to streamline loan application processes and reduce the documentation burden, making it easier for women to apply for and receive loans, enhance financial literacy as well as implement educational programs that will equip women with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and effectively utilize financial services.

Additionally, WONGOSOL said in its advocate for Gender Sensitivity: that it also intends to promote the training of banking staff to be more gender-sensitive and reduce the alleged discriminatory practices that hinder women’s access to finance.

At the same time, WONGOSOL has recommitted itself to improving access to information by developing and disseminating comprehensive guides on available financial products and how to access them, ensuring women are well-informed about their options.

The group believes that empowering women through improved access to financial services is not only a matter of equity but also a critical component of economic development.

According to WONGOSOL, by addressing the barriers women face in accessing loans, they can unlock their potential to contribute significantly to the economy. 

WONGOSOL affirmed: “Our partnerships with the banking sector are a crucial step towards creating an inclusive financial ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs and fosters sustainable development.”

“As we continue to engage with financial institutions, our goal remains clear: to create an enabling environment where women can thrive as entrepreneurs, supported by a banking sector that recognizes and champions their potential.”

MONROVIA – In a sharp rebuttal to recent comments made by Representative Yekeh Kolubah, the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has vehemently criticized the lawmaker for his disparaging remarks against Women Human Rights Defenders. The statement comes in response to Rep. Kolubah’s derogatory characterization of women rights defenders as “less busy individuals” during a live interview on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

The statement issued by WONGOSOL on Tuesday asserts that Rep. Kolubah’s remarks pose a significant threat to the work of Women Human Rights Defenders and represent an attempt to diminish the civic space dedicated to advocating for women’s rights in Liberia. The organization firmly condemns such language, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups.

In a direct call to action, WONGOSOL demands that Rep. Kolubah retract his statement within 24 hours, warning of further recourse if he fails to do so. Additionally, the organization urges the lawmaker to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities and refrain from undermining the efforts of women’s rights organizations.

Addressing the specific incident that sparked the controversy, WONGOSOL expresses concern for the protection of a young lady involved, particularly as she is identified as a teenager. The organization denounces any form of social media bullying and calls on the public to refrain from subjecting the young lady to further harm.

Moreover, WONGOSOL criticized the irresponsible behavior of individuals who fail to protect the identity of minors, leading to potential stigmatization and harm. The organization underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of age or gender.

Highlighting the broader implications of Rep. Kolubah’s remarks, WONGOSOL raises the issue with both national and international stakeholders, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection for human rights defenders in Liberia.

WONGOSOL called upon the National Legislature to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter, underscoring the urgency of addressing threats to the work of women human rights defenders. The organization reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of all individuals in Liberia.

The statement issued by WONGOSOL has garnered attention from various bilateral and international partners, further amplifying the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by women human rights defenders in Liberia.

The UN Women Liberia, The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, U.S. Embassy Monrovia, Liberia, The Carter Center Liberia, UK in Liberia – British Embassy, Monrovia, Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, Press Union Of Liberia, Official Female Journalists Association of Liberia, WOMEN’s TV- Liberia, European Union in Liberia, and the Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Protection – Liberia are among the entities highlighted by WONGOSOL for their potential involvement in addressing this critical issue.

“We hope that you will make a minimum of 30% women in your cabinet with a view towards gender balance at all levels of appointment within the executive branch” They said.

In a statement issued over the weekend, WONGOSOL expressed the  hope that  the new government  will consider carefully also the position of Gender Minister, as there is a great need for a minister who can unite the women’s movement and mobilize the women towards a more peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.

“Similarly, women comprise just 4-6% of Liberia’s chieftaincy positions from the general town chief to the paramount chief and are similarly underrepresented at the level of township and district commissioners and district and county superintendents/development superintendents” the statement said.

They also implore the Boakai led government to do its utmost to appoint more women to these positions.

The statement added that, Women’s movement organizations and  its networks stand ready to support  the government to identify suitable candidates for appointed positions at local and national level.

Liberian women the statement indicated that, they are deeply concerned at the persistence of harmful traditional practices, patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men.

The statement said, to  promote more transformative changes for gender equality and women’s empowerment, they  implore the Boakai  administration to commit to supporting legislative reform to address the issue of women’s underrepresentation, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

 The statement pointed out that, the electoral reform bill and the Public Health Bill are two key pieces of Legislation which could help address women’s marginalization from politics and public life and provide women with more reproductive choices and freedoms, as well as reduce maternal mortality.

The statement emphasized that, institutional reforms and appropriate investment are also sorely needed to address the scourge of violence against women girls in this country, prevent violence and end the culture of impunity for acts of violence against them. 

60% of Liberian women and girls the statement added, have experienced physical violence, almost 10% have experienced sexual violence and cases of feticide appear to be on the increase.

“We also know how important agricultural reform will be to this administration and hope that policies and programs will include a specific focus on empowering rural women and women in agriculture and the agricultural value chain” The statement noted.

The statement is quoted as saying that, the need to conduct a nationwide reconciliation after the 2023 General and Presidential Election is paramount taking into consideration the dissemination of Mis-information and Dis-information during and after the elections, that has the propensity to disrupt the fragile peace we now enjoy. .

“Therefore, as we transition to a new leadership, we commit to remain peaceful. We reaffirm our commitment to uphold the rule of law and work closely with the government to ensure that the Liberian Women’s Agenda is prioritized” s the statement said. 

The statement also said it is their our ardent hope that all Liberians will remain productively committed to work collectively in the interest of all Liberians. We look forward to a government that will not be compromised for individual ambitions.

Allegiance to Liberia the statement said must remain the common denominator for sustaining peace and the pursuit of development.

“Mr. President-elect, the women of Liberia under the banner of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)” the statement said.

The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia in collaboration also request a meeting with you to present our position.

The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia in collaboration with its network organizations however, congratulated Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the Unity Party and its collaborating parties for their election during the 2023 General and Presidential Elections.