Monrovia, Liberia – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has voiced its concerns about the gender inclusivity of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered on January 27, 2025. While acknowledging the President’s reflections on Liberia’s progress, WONGOSOL highlighted critical gaps in addressing gender equality, economic participation, and the recognition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
WONGOSOL, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and social justice, noted the absence of gender-sensitive policies in the President’s speech, particularly in areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and gender-based violence.
The organization expressed concern that women’s vital role in Liberia’s economy, particularly in the informal sector and agriculture, was overlooked in the address. WONGOSOL urged the government to adopt policies that ensure equitable access to resources, financing, and business opportunities for women, emphasizing their contributions to national economic development.
Education and Healthcare Concerns
While the President reaffirmed his commitment to improving education and healthcare, WONGOSOL argued that the challenges faced by women and girls, especially in rural areas, were not adequately addressed. The organization called for specific interventions to eliminate barriers such as early marriage, unsafe school environments, and menstrual hygiene issues. It also advocated for improved maternal and reproductive healthcare services in remote regions.
Applauding the government’s efforts in maintaining peace, WONGOSOL stressed the need for greater inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles within conflict resolution and peacebuilding initiatives. The organization urged the full implementation of Liberia’s National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 to ensure women’s active participation in peace processes.
One of the most glaring omissions in President Boakai’s address, according to WONGOSOL, was the lack of discussion on gender-based violence (GBV). Despite its prevalence in Liberia, GBV remains insufficiently addressed at the national level. WONGOSOL called for a stronger governmental focus on prevention, survivor support services, and the enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and Rape Law.
WONGOSOL also criticized the President’s failure to recognize the significant contributions of CSOs in driving social change and advocating for gender equality. The organization emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the government and CSOs, including resource allocation and the creation of platforms for meaningful dialogue.
To bridge these gaps, WONGOSOL proposed that the government mainstream gender equality across all national policies and allocate at least 30% of national resources to initiatives benefiting women and girls. The group also called for mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress on gender commitments and urged increased collaboration with CSOs to strengthen efforts in promoting gender equality.
In a statement highlighting its dedication to advancing gender equity, WONGOSOL reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to make gender equality a cornerstone of Liberia’s development agenda.
“Through collaboration and recognition of the contributions of women and CSOs, Liberia can achieve inclusive and sustainable growth,” the organization asserted.
