Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia should be ashamed that women occupy only 11 of the 103 seats in the National Legislature — warning that the imbalance is slowing the country’s development and peacebuilding efforts. Women’s rights advocates welcomed her remarks, saying the low representation reflects the continued dominance of male political power…
In Monrovia, a mother says she is living in fear after the boy accused of raping herdaughter was released and returned to their community — exposing major gaps inLiberia’s justice system. In this collaboration with New Narratives Tetee Gebro has areport. The story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the “Investigating Liberia” project. Funding…
Liberia’s national ID system has struggled for years — delays, breakdowns, and security concerns. Now, the government is turning to an Austrian firm to rescue the program. But activists warn: who will protect citizens’ data? Will this fix finally deliver IDs that work, or just raise new risks? Tetee Gebro reports in this social media…
Sweden’s exit from Liberia leaves a critical gap in support for girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights. For years, Swedish funding empowered local organizations to mentor young women, provide sex education, and reduce teen pregnancy. Now, with this lifeline ending, rural communities risk losing access to vital programs that protect girls’ futures. Advocates are…
By Tetee Gebro and Joyclyn Wea with New Narratives Summary: Nearly a year after public anger forced the government to suspend the chaotic rollout of the national digital identification registration, Liberia is preparing to hire a private company to help restart the enrolment and operate the system. The system will digitize the data of the…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: S.D. COOPER ROAD, Paynesville – At a Valentine’s Day gathering earlier this year, a teenage girl stood before her peers. She described a boy in her community who had been giving her gifts and telling her she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. She was…
Liberia’s House has taken a bold step by backing a 30% gender quota for candidates — but women’s groups warn the “best efforts” clause could let parties off the hook. True equality means enforceable laws, not optional promises. Joyclyn Wea reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link:…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: Walk into Liberia’s Capitol Building during a legislative session, and the gender imbalance is difficult to miss. In the 73-member House of Representatives, just eight lawmakers are women. In the Senate, women occupy just two of 30 seats. That reality is why many women’s rights advocates initially…
Three out of every four Liberians are under 35 — a powerful force for the nation’s future. At a recent UNDP youth dialogue in Monrovia, young entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and innovators demanded not just encouragement but real tools: funding, mentorship, training, and opportunities. The UN has promised a new approach that listens first and acts…
By Joyclyn Wea, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: “If they are not feeling it, if you are not making a difference in what they do, then we are irrelevant.” That was the frank concession from Aliou Mamadou Dia, the United Nations Development Program’s resident representative in Liberia, to more than 50 young people —…
A 57‑year‑old grandmother from Montserrado County, who says she was raped in broad daylight while returning from panning for gold, has faced months of delays and demands for illegal fees as she tries to pursue justice. Her case file went missing for weeks, and despite finally being found, the trial has yet to begin. Advocates…
By Tetee Gebro, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: TODEE, Montserrado County — On a recent morning, the 57-year-old grandmother at the center of a rape case that has outraged anti-gender-based violence advocates, returned to the gold field where her life changed four months ago. Her body and mind have not recovered from what she said…
Bong County is showing how community-led action can make a difference: crime has dropped by 86% thanks to volunteer Community Watch Teams who patrol at night, partner with police, and help keep neighborhoods safe. While challenges like limited resources and oversight remain, residents say these grassroots efforts have restored peace and confidence across the county….
Liberian youth are calling for their turn in leadership. In a dialogue with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and senior leaders, they heard powerful lessons of sacrifice and resilience, while demanding genuine inclusion in shaping the nation’s future. With 75% of Liberians under 35, bridging the generational divide is urgent. Joyclyn Wea reports in this…
By Joyclyn Wea and Tetee Gebro, gender correspondents with New Narratives Summary: Young Liberians sat face-to-face with some of the country’s most powerful political figures last week in Monrovia, listening to stories of prison, exile, and hard-won leadership. But as they absorbed lessons from the past, many also made a quiet demand: they want a…
Promises of jobs in Canada and Australia have lured hundreds of people into the hands of human traffickers in Liberia. But fair trials for those affected have been elusive. A months-long New Narratives investigation detailed bribe payments that more than 50 victims said had protected their traffickers from prosecution. Delays have meant that the accused traffickers could walk free….
By Tetee Gebro, gender correspondent with New Narratives Summary: WATERSIDE MARKET, Monrovia – Bessy Toe sat behind small piles of sugar, flour and milk here one day recently, watching the hours pass. Business used to move, she said. Now, goods stay too long on the table, and sometimes they must be sold at a loss to…
Liberia’s market women say the Iran conflict has driven up fuel and import costs, leaving them with slow sales, spoiled goods, and families cutting back on meals just to cope with the rising prices. Tetee Gebro reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link: Liberia’s Market Women Bear…
The Red Cross has started rebuilding homes in Bethel Town, River Cess County after the mob attack that destroyed much of the community, but residents continue to struggle with hunger, lack of clean water, and insecurity. While the new houses bring hope, families say their most urgent needs remain unmet, leaving recovery fragile and incomplete….
Seven months after President Joseph Boakai halted Liberia’s national ID rollout to fix problemsin the system, the program is still not running. Officials say the country cannot access itsbiometric database because the government owes 1.7 million dollars to the company that built it. The delay means millions of Liberians remain outside the system. Tetee Gebro…
Liberia is testing new ways for citizens to report corruption. One idea was simple: drop acomplaint in a locked box and walk away. But it didn’t work. The results show Liberians aretoo afraid to report corruption.Corruption watchdogs hope a new app will solve the problem. But, as with so many otherthings in Liberia, it needs…
