By Vaye Lepolu
Salala District, Bong County – Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah of District #6, Bong County, has officially launched a National Dialogue on Gender Quotas and Electoral Reform, aimed at advancing women’s empowerment and inclusive governance across Liberia. The initiative, held in Salala District, convenes local leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, and international partners to deliberate on strategies for increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
The dialogue is supported by the governments of India, Brazil, and South Africa, in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations, and a community health initiative. The event also aligns with the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia’s project, “Promoting Voice, Leadership, and Gender-Responsive Governance for Sustainable Development 2025–2027,” which includes town hall consultations on increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making.
More than 700 women from various clans, towns, and villages in Salala District took part in the dialogue at the Salala District Administrative Hall, organized by the office of Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah, CHI, UN Women, and the United Nations. Women shared their perspectives on empowerment and the barriers they face. Speaking at the event, Rep. Mensah stressed the urgent need to address women’s underrepresentation in Liberia’s political and governance structures.
She noted that despite women’s critical role in national development, they remain significantly outnumbered by men in leadership positions. “Women must have a seat at the table if we are to achieve better education, healthcare, and stronger communities,” she said. “This dialogue is not just about discussion—it is about action and transformation.” According to organizers, the dialogue will focus on introducing temporary special measures, including gender quotas, to ensure increased female representation in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
One proposal under consideration is a policy requiring political parties to include at least 30 percent women on their candidate lists. Participants will also explore other mechanisms, such as reserved seats for women in the legislature—a practice already adopted in several countries—to help bridge the gender gap in governance. Data presented at the forum highlighted the current imbalance, noting that only a small number of counties have achieved female representation in both the upper and lower houses.
Counties such as Bong, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Margibi, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Lofa, and Montserrado were cited as having limited female legislative presence. The dialogue also includes discussions on broader issues affecting women, including access to healthcare, education, and protection from harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM). International partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Liberia’s efforts.
The Indian Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Manoj Bihari Verma, speaking at the event, underscored the importance of inclusive development and shared experiences from India, noting that empowering women leads to more resilient and prosperous societies.
“This partnership reflects a shared belief that development must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of communities,” the ambassador said.
Organizers say the program will also identify and support grassroots women’s groups through mentorship and empowerment initiatives, working closely with the Women’s Legislative Caucus and community leaders. The National Dialogue is expected to continue with interactive sessions, allowing participants to contribute ideas and recommendations that could shape future legislative reforms. Rep. Mensah concluded by urging women and young people to actively pursue leadership opportunities and support one another in advancing gender equality. “Together, we can build a future where women are fully represented and empowered to lead,” she said.
