The Liberty Party of Liberia has proudly announced achieving 50% female representation within its leadership structure, significantly surpassing the 30% quota proposed in the Affirmative Action bill currently before the 55th Legislature. This achievement underscores the party’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women within Liberia’s political landscape. It serves as a powerful example of the party’s dedication to fostering inclusive leadership and recognizing the vital role women play in shaping the nation’s future. The party views this milestone not just as a numerical accomplishment, but as a fundamental step towards a more equitable and representative political system.
This announcement coincided with the culmination of International Women’s Month 2025, an occasion dedicated to celebrating the contributions and resilience of women globally. The Liberty Party marked this occasion with a special event held at their headquarters in Monrovia, themed “Accelerating Actions to Unlock Rights, Power, and Opportunities for Women and Girls.” The event served as a platform to showcase the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting the achievements of women within the party and outlining future initiatives aimed at further advancing their cause. The gathering brought together a diverse array of women, from political leaders to grassroots activists, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective action.
Central to the event was the recognition of women who have made significant contributions to Liberia’s progress. Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, a prominent figure within the Liberty Party, presided over the ceremony, honoring women in two distinct categories: political leadership and grassroots activism. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging the accomplishments of women, particularly given the historical marginalization of their voices within the political sphere. She highlighted the progress made by Liberian women, referencing the groundbreaking achievements of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor as testaments to the growing influence of women in national leadership.
Beyond celebrating past achievements, the Liberty Party also unveiled ambitious plans for the future, focusing on concrete initiatives to empower women and expand their opportunities. Key among these initiatives is the establishment of a vocational skills training school specifically designed to equip women with the skills necessary to thrive in various industries. This initiative reflects the party’s understanding that economic empowerment is crucial for women’s overall advancement, enabling them to become self-sufficient and actively participate in the nation’s economic growth.
Complementing the vocational training school is a planned mentorship program targeting both young people and women. This program aims to provide guidance and support, nurturing their potential and fostering their leadership capabilities. By investing in mentorship, the Liberty Party aims to create a pipeline of future leaders, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This dual approach of skills training and mentorship demonstrates a holistic commitment to empowering women, addressing both their immediate economic needs and their long-term leadership potential.
Party Chairperson Rugie Barry emphasized the critical role women play in national development, characterizing them not just as participants but as leaders, innovators, and nation-builders. While acknowledging the persistent challenges women face in Liberia, including gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to leadership positions, she stressed the collective responsibility of all Liberians to address these issues. Barry reiterated the party’s commitment to championing policies that uplift women and girls, recognizing that the progress of a nation is intrinsically linked to the progress of its women. Keynote speaker Laura Korvah, President of the National Young Women Political Council of Liberia, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the strides made while emphasizing the need for continued action to overcome remaining barriers. She called for strengthened legal and policy reforms to ensure that women have equal access to education, economic opportunities, and political representation. The Liberty Party’s commitment to gender equality signals a hopeful step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Liberian women.
