The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has convened a major national-level consultation aimed at strengthening women’s participation in national budget processes and ensuring their voices are reflected in key policy decisions.
The gathering brought together members of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, county women leaders, lawmakers and representatives of civil society.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, the meeting provided a platform for open dialogue on issues affecting women and girls across Liberia.
During the discussions, WONGOSOL presented findings from its recent gender-responsive budgeting report, which underscores persistent gaps in service delivery for women.
The report highlights limited access to quality and affordable healthcare—especially maternal and reproductive health services—poor farm-to-market road networks, and insufficient support for small-scale women farmers who form a significant portion of the agricultural workforce.
Giving an overview of the report, WONGOSOL’s Executive Director, Madam Esther S. D. Yango, emphasized the urgent need for increased government investment in sectors that have a direct impact on the lives of women and girls.
She stressed that addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing gender equality and national development.
Responding to the concerns raised, Hon. Mike P. Jurry, Chair of the National Budget Committee, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting inclusive budgeting.
He noted that national priorities must reflect the needs of women and local communities if the country is to achieve sustainable progress.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Foday Fahnbulleh encouraged civil society organizations to intensify engagement with line ministries and the Ministry of Finance.
He explained that while the Legislature reviews and approves the national budget, it does not craft it, therefore early engagement at the ministerial level is essential to ensuring women’s issues are adequately captured.
The consultation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between women’s organizations and national leaders, and to ensure women play a meaningful role in shaping policy and development decisions.
Several lawmakers from the Budget Committee, including Marie Johnson and Mike P. Jurry, joined women leaders from various counties, as well as representatives of the Federation of Liberian Youth, among others.
WONGOSOL says it remains committed to amplifying women’s voices and advancing gender-responsive governance across Liberia.
