Women’s Legislative Caucus Welcomes New Chairperson, Ellen Attoh-Wreh – Sets Bold Agenda for Women’s Leadership in Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia:  Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh has officially taken the helm as Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, unveiling a bold and action-driven agenda to advance women’s leadership and gender equality across the country.

At her induction ceremony attended by Vice President Jeremiah Koung, lawmakers, cabinet officials, and international women’s organizations Attoh-Wreh highlighted the urgent need for reforms to promote inclusive governance. She pointed to Liberia’s ongoing gender gap, noting that women hold less than 11% of seats in the national Legislature and even fewer at local levels.

Despite progress in cabinet appointments following the 2023 elections, Attoh-Wreh said deep-rooted barriers such as social norms, unequal access to resources, and unsupportive political structures continue to limit women’s advancement.

“Encouragement alone is not enough,” she declared. “We need enforceable provisions.”

She emphasized the Caucus’s ongoing push for a binding gender quota law, aimed at increasing female representation in both legislative and executive branches. She recalled efforts in 2022 to amend Liberia’s Elections Law with a proposed 30% gender quota, which passed both Houses but ultimately did not become law.

Caucus Agenda for 2024–2028

Chairperson Attoh-Wreh outlined the Caucus’s focus areas for the new term:

• Gender-Sensitive Legislation: Promote laws that ensure parity and inclusivity.

• Oversight and Accountability: Strengthen gender-responsive budgeting and policy enforcement.

• Youth Engagement: Encourage political participation among young women.

• Institutional Strengthening: Improve operations and secure sustainable support for the Caucus.

She also acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited campaign financing for women, weak support networks, and harassment of female leaders. These issues, she stressed, must be addressed to achieve lasting gender parity.

Support from Global Partners

The Caucus extended appreciation to its international partners the European Union, Sweden, Ireland, UN Women, UNDP, the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Fund, and NIMD for their continued support of women’s leadership in Liberia.

As the Women’s Legislative Caucus embarks on a new chapter, Chairperson Attoh-Wreh reaffirmed their commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that women’s voices are not only heard but represented at all levels of governance.