Monrovia, Liberia, January 31, 2025 – Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia, or WONGOSOL, says President Joseph Boakai’s second State of the Nation Address was not gender-responsive.
WONGOSOL notes that the President’s address did not adequately address issues that are crucial to women’s rights and gender equality, which are important for fostering an inclusive society.
It argues that while the President emphasized economic revitalization and job creation, the address lacked a gender-responsive approach to these goals, lamenting that “Women, who form a significant portion of Liberia’s informal workforce and are the backbone of the agricultural sector, were not specifically recognized or included in proposed economic strategies.”
The organization calls for intentional policies and programs that ensure women’s equitable access to resources, financing, and capacity-building opportunities, especially in agriculture, small businesses, and entrepreneurship.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the organization states, “We further urge the government to address structural barriers that limit women’s participation in the formal economy, such as discriminatory practices, lack of childcare, and unequal pay.”
WONGOSOL’s point on education and healthcare is crucial. The government’s commitment to improving education and healthcare systems is commendable but insufficient without addressing the specific barriers women and girls face.
Girls in rural areas still face significant obstacles, including early marriage, lack of menstrual hygiene management, and unsafe school environments. These issues require targeted interventions to achieve true educational equity.
“In healthcare, we call for enhanced focus on maternal and reproductive health services, which remain underfunded and inaccessible to many women, especially in remote areas,” WONGOSOL continues.
The need for gender-inclusive peace and security efforts is essential. WONGOSOL, however, commends the government’s commitment to peace and security and emphasizes that these efforts must be gender-inclusive. Women are disproportionately affected by insecurity and must be actively involved in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes.
It calls on the government to fully implement Liberia’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, ensuring women’s participation in leadership and decision-making at all levels.
According to the statement, the persistent prevalence of GBV was not sufficiently addressed by the President, which it says undermines the urgency of tackling an issue that continues to harm countless women and girls across Liberia.
“We urge the government to scale up prevention measures, survivor support services, and justice mechanisms for GBV cases. Comprehensive funding for the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the Rape Law must be prioritized”.
The organization is deeply concerned about the lack of acknowledgment or recognition for the tireless work and contributions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Liberia, saying that CSOs have played a critical role in advocating for social justice, holding duty-bearers accountable, and providing essential services to marginalized communities.
“CSOs, including WONGOSOL, have been at the forefront of efforts to empower women, combat GBV, and promote inclusive governance. The government must recognize and actively engage with CSOs as strategic partners in national development.
We call for greater collaboration between the government and CSOs, including allocating resources to support their initiatives and establishing platforms for meaningful dialogue”, it urges. Press Statement
