-Provides Gender Analytical Response
Monrovia, Liberia – The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has issued a comprehensive response to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address delivered on January 27, 2025. This annual constitutional exercise is pivotal for charting Liberia’s developmental trajectory and reflecting on the shared aspirations of its people.
WONGOSOL, an organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice, commends the President for addressing the nation’s socio-economic achievements and challenges. However, the organization expresses concerns regarding several gaps in the address, particularly from a gender perspective. Notably, there was a significant omission in acknowledging the contributions of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which have played a crucial role in driving change and impacting the lives of ordinary Liberians.
Gender Analysis of the State of the Nation Address
Economic Development and Gender Inclusion
While President Boakai highlighted economic revitalization and job creation, WONGOSOL notes a lack of a gender-responsive approach in the proposed strategies. Women, who constitute a significant portion of Liberia’s informal workforce and serve as the backbone of the agricultural sector, were not specifically recognized in these economic initiatives.
WONGOSOL calls for the implementation of intentional policies and programs that ensure women have equitable access to resources, financing, and capacity-building opportunities, particularly in agriculture, small businesses, and entrepreneurship. The organization also urges the government to address structural barriers that hinder women’s participation in the formal economy, including discriminatory practices, inadequate childcare support, and unequal pay.
Education and Health
WONGOSOL acknowledges the government’s commitment to improving education and healthcare systems but emphasizes that these efforts must address the specific barriers faced by women and girls. Many girls in rural areas continue to encounter significant challenges such as early marriage, lack of menstrual hygiene management, and unsafe school environments. Targeted interventions are essential to achieve genuine educational equity.
In healthcare, WONGOSOL advocates for enhanced focus on maternal and reproductive health services, which remain underfunded and inaccessible to many women, especially in remote areas.
Peace and Security
The organization commends the government’s commitment to peace and security but underscores the necessity of gender inclusivity in these efforts. Women are disproportionately affected by insecurity and should be actively involved in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes. WONGOSOL 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.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
WONGOSOL expresses alarm at the insufficient attention given to the persistent prevalence of GBV in the President’s address. This critical issue continues to harm countless women and girls across Liberia. The organization urges the government to enhance prevention measures, support services for survivors, and justice mechanisms for GBV cases. Comprehensive funding for the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and the Rape Law must be prioritized to ensure effective responses to this urgent issue.
Lack of Recognition for Civil Society Organizations
WONGOSOL is particularly concerned about the absence of acknowledgment for the vital work of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Liberia. CSOs have been instrumental in advocating for social justice, holding duty-bearers accountable, and providing essential services to marginalized communities.
The organization emphasizes that CSOs, including WONGOSOL, have been at the forefront of efforts to empower women, combat GBV, and promote inclusive governance. WONGOSOL calls for greater collaboration between the government and CSOs, including the allocation of resources to support their initiatives and the establishment of platforms for meaningful dialogue.
Recommendations for a Gender-Responsive Approach
To ensure inclusive and sustainable progress, WONGOSOL urges the government to:
1.Mainstream gender into all national policies and programs to address systemic inequalities.
2.Allocate at least 30% of national resources to initiatives that directly benefit women and girls.
3.Recognize and support the contributions of CSOs by fostering partnerships and providing funding to strengthen their work.
4.Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress on gender equality commitments, ensuring accountability and transparency.
WONGOSOL reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the government, development partners, and other stakeholders to build a Liberia where gender equality is at the heart of development. The organization believes that by recognizing the pivotal role of women and CSOs, Liberia can achieve the inclusive and sustainable growth envisioned in the President’s address.
