A former president’s address at the Capitol reignited debate over Liberia’s low number of women in political leadership, highlighting that women hold less than 11 percent of seats in the Legislature despite their historic role in securing peace and democracy. Advocates and women leaders say the problem stems from weak gender‑quota laws, political party practices that sideline women, financial barriers, and deep social biases that keep women out of winnable positions. They argue that without deliberate reforms — from enforceable quotas to stronger leadership pipelines and better protection for women in public life — Liberia will continue making national decisions without women meaningfully represented.

Joyclyn Wea reports in this social media Video. To read more about this story click this link: Liberia: Ex-President Sirleaf Lashes Lawmakers in Capitol Speech, Calls Low Representation of Women Embarrassing – FrontPageAfrica

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the Investigating Liberia project. Funding was provided by Susan and David Marcinek and the Swedish Embassy in Liberia. Funders had no say in the story’s content.