Speaker Koon Calls for Stronger Representation of Women in Liberia’s Legislature

Monrovia, Liberia: House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has renewed calls for greater participation of women in Liberia’s Legislature, urging lawmakers and stakeholders to support legal reforms that will increase women’s representation.

Speaking during the induction ceremony of the new officers of the Women Legislative Caucus, held at the Capitol Building, Speaker Koon expressed concern about the low number of female lawmakers, currently at only 10.7%.

He highlighted the lack of legally binding gender quotas as a major reason for this gap and pointed to past failed efforts to pass such laws in 2004, 2010-11, 2016-17, and most recently in 2022-23. The latest attempt, he said, was weakened in the Senate due to disagreements over enforcement.

“We cannot move ahead as a country and leave behind almost 50 percent of our population who are underrepresented in the Legislature,” Speaker Koon stated.

As part of his ongoing efforts, he announced plans to lead a “He-for-She” campaign a global movement encouraging men to advocate for gender equality. He also pledged to work with lawmakers in both chambers to reintroduce the revised Election Law with full gender-sensitive provisions.

The event ended with renewed commitments from legislators and civil society to push for policies that promote inclusion and equal representation in Liberia’s political system.