MONROVIA – Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh, Chair, Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia has said that at the county level, representation is even lower. Rep. Attoh-Wreh also posited that there might have been improvements at the President’s Cabinet and deputy ministerial levels after the 2023 General Election.
It is a moment to reaffirm the role of the Women’s Legislative Caucus and set a clear direction for the term ahead. Our mandate remains focused.
The Margibi County lawmaker did further say that the less number of women reflects structural barriers that remain unresolved, rooted in long-standing norms, unequal access to education and resources, and systems that do not fully support women’s leadership.
“They come with clear obligations to remove the legal and structural barriers holding women back. One of the clearest steps we can take is passing a gender quota law. In 2022, the Caucus worked to amend the Elections Law to include a 30 percent mandatory quota for candidate lists,” she said.
Representative Attoh-Wreh said the bill passed both Houses but did not become law. Still, it was a strong signal of what is possible when women organize and act with a shared purpose.
She disclosed that as a part of her administration’s focus, the Caucus plans to work to advocate for a comprehensive framework on temporary special measures, including a binding gender quota for both legislative and executive appointments.
She said Liberia needs enforceable provisions, adding: “Our strategic plan for 2024 to 2028 lays out four clear priorities.”
She vowed to strengthen the legislative function by promoting gender-sensitive law making and championing specific laws, that will be aimed at supporting gender parity in leadership. She also stated that her administration will do all to reinforce the oversight role by advocating for gender-responsive budgeting and holding institutions accountable for delivering on policies and programs meant to serve women.
Representative Wreh also assured that she and her team will work to expand and increase women’s participation in politics, by supporting young women entering leadership, and working with communities to make political spaces more open, accessible, and safe for women.
“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. This work requires partnership. We thank the European Union, the Governments of Sweden and Ireland for their continued political and financial support to women’s leadership and gender equality in Liberia.”
She thanked the European Union and the Governments of Sweden and Ireland for their continued support and commitment to advancing women’s leadership and gender equality in Liberia.
The support from these partners continues to make it possible for the Women’s Legislative Caucus to remain active, visible, and engaged at critical moments.
“We are also pleased to acknowledge the ongoing support of the India-Brazil-South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA) Fund, a partnership between the Governments of India, Brazil, and South Africa”
The Fund is supporting a new initiative with the Women’s Legislative Caucus, currently under development, which will focus on leadership, economic empowerment, and regional exchange for knowledge sharing.
The Margibi County lawmaker recognized the longstanding partnership and technical support from UN Women, whose consistent engagement has been central to the work and visibility of the Caucus. “We also acknowledge the valuable contributions of UNDP in strengthening institutional capacity and promoting inclusive governance.”
