Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY — The trajectories and challenges to women’s political participation in Nimba County legislative power are complex.
These complexities are better understood in three dimensions, which include tribal politics, economic capacity, and women’s individual experiences.
About decades ago since Nimba elected a woman as a representative, there is absolutely no woman representation in the Nimba Caucus and all eleven members; nine representatives and two senators are men.
However, in the upcoming Nimba County Senator By-election, the ambitious plan for women’s inclusion in the county’s legislative structure at the House of Representatives remains unclear, whether the political barrier will be broken.
In Nimba County, thousands of women have voiced their support, while few have expressed interest in contesting, stressing that there is still room for women in the county’s caucus.
Women make up more than half of Nimba County’s population, but there is not a single female among the county’s 11 male caucus members.
Thousands of women, including a group of women, called “Daughters of the Mountain”, turned out to express concern to seek Nimba Women representation at the House of Representatives, noting that they do not want to be treated as inferior to men any longer.
They reiterated the need for citizens to reflect critically on the role of women leaders in accelerating progress toward gender equality, peace, positioning, and sustainability.
Over the years, women have made several attempts to challenge gendered obstacles in the county elective positions, but not successive.
Rallying all Nimbaians to support women’s candidacy in the forthcoming senatorial by-election, the campaign is committed to reshaping the narrative and reality of women’s political engagement in the county.
At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that women’s political participation is not just an aspect of gender equality, but a fundamental component of robust and resilient democracies.
The Nimba Women said it should be everyone’s responsibility to view women’s involvement in taking political seats not merely as a matter of representation but as a vital force in shaping public policy, governance, and the very fabric of political life.
“Our approach is holistic and integrative, acknowledging that women’s political participation is interwoven with broader socio-political and economic contexts”.
Nimba Women’s Call aims to elevate women’s roles beyond traditional boundaries, ensuring their voices are not only heard but are influential in decision-making processes. “This encompasses supporting women’s inclusion in peace processes, recognizing that peace and political stability are inherently linked to gender equality”.
Their involvement showcased their distinct perspectives and active contributions toward the advancement of women’s roles in leadership positions, peace processes, economic growth, poverty eradication, prosperity, and unity, and challenged the notion that women were solely passive victims.
The concerned women meanwhile want their fellow women to continue to demand and take an active role in advocating for the increase of female representation in leadership and political spheres from the village to the parliamentary level while fostering discussion within public and political bodies about women’s leadership and establishing benchmarks to assess the influence and impact of women’s participation in leadership and ensure accountability in their county.
Looking ahead, women’s leadership in Nimba has a promising future. Collaborative efforts, including partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, and international actors, are crucial for sustaining progress and achieving gender equality.
Addressing systemic barriers, promoting inclusive policies, and investing in women’s education, health, and economic empowerment are vital steps towards a more equitable democracy.
The Senatorial By-election
The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC – Liberia) has received an official notification from the Liberian Senate announcing a vacant seat in the 55th National Legislature.
The Liberian Senate in its letter addressed to the Acting Chairperson of NEC, Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, disclosed that the vacancy in the Senate exists due to the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County.
Once a rebel leader, Johnson played a prominent role in the First Liberian Civil War.
On 28 November 2024, Liberians woke up to the news of the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia states, ‘In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof.
The Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days before the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general elections.
