-WONGOSOL Champions Advocacy to Elevate Women’s Leadership in Politics
Monrovia, Liberia- Once silenced by the brutality of civil war, Liberian women have emerged as champions of peace and architects of a more inclusive future. From street protests to the negotiation table, their tireless activism helped end one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts.
Today, their continued leadership in peace-building is transforming Liberia’s social and political landscape, but challenges persist. It is from this backdrop that
the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), a leading voice for gender justice and peace, is renewing its call for greater political participation of women, especially as the nation gears up for a key by-election in Nimba County.
Unlike some African countries (e.g., Rwanda, and Senegal), Liberia does not have a strong quota system to ensure women’s representation in government. So
WONGOSOL believes that… “Peace Built by Women Must Include Women Liberian women fought for peace with grit and grace. Today, they continue to shape the nation’s path forward—not as spectators, but as key players.”
Rooting for the lone female candidate
Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh is the only female among five men, including Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel Gongben Kogar, former Representative of Nimba County District #4 Cllr. Garrison Yealue, former Representative of Nimba County District #9 R. Matenckay Tingban, former Inspector of Nimba County Mack Gbliwon, Torbor Tee Wonokay Farngalo, and Dr. George Parkinson Gonpu in the upcoming senatorial election in Nimba County.
With women comprising over half the population (49.6%), WONGOSOL says now is the time to close the gender gap in leadership. For the case of Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh in Nimba County, if she wins, she will sum up the female representation at the Senate to four, as there are currently three out of the thirty senators at the Liberian Senate.
On the other hand, there are just eight females among the 73 members of the House of Representatives. This means that there are only 11 females out of the 103 members of the 55th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. This is inarguably far below the thirty percent representation women have long yielded.
Now, WONGOSOL sees the upcoming Nimba by-election as a pivotal moment to confront Liberia’s democratic deficit. The institution is urging voters and parties to support qualified female candidates, arguing that inclusive leadership strengthens accountability, peace, and development. “This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about justice and progress,” said Madam Yango. “We cannot claim to have peace if half the population is shut out of power.”
A Legacy of Courage
Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict may have broken systems, but it could not break the spirit of women.
In 2003, during peace talks in Accra, Ghana, thousands of Liberian women clad in white formed a peaceful blockade, pressuring warlords and politicians to reach a deal.
Their efforts played a critical role in securing the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, bringing the war to an end. “Liberian women didn’t just protest—they built bridges,” said Madam Esther Davis Yango, Executive Director of WONGOSOL. “They focused on peace, not politics, and they changed the course of our history.”
Peace Gains and Persistent Gaps
In the years since the war, Liberia has made major strides. The country was one of the first in Africa to adopt a National Action Plan for implementing UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Today, more women are serving in the military, judiciary, and local councils. Women-led peace huts continue to mediate conflicts and support trauma recovery. Still, challenges remain.
Women hold only 11 of 103 legislative seats. Gender-based violence remains widespread, and grassroots women’s groups face chronic underfunding.
To truly sustain peace and development, WONGOSOL recommends expanding leadership training and mentorship for women, Promoting economic empowerment through land rights and access to credit. The NGO also wants enforcement of accountability for gender commitments and Investment in education and opportunities for young women. As Liberia turns its eyes to Nimba, the message from WONGOSOL is clear: the future of peace and democracy depends on women’s leadership.
About WONGOSOL
The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) is a prominent network organization committed to advocating for women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice in Liberia. Established to serve as a cohesive body for women-led and women-focused organizations, WONGOSOL aims to amplify women’s voices, influence policy reforms, and foster inclusive governance. The organization is dedicated to empowering women through advocacy, capacity-building, and grassroots mobilization, ensuring their active participation in national development and leadership.
