-WONGOSOL report shows 28% of female appointments
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberian women have set a 30% benchmark for their political participation and representation in government. From administration to administration, it has been a complex journey especially for the various governments to adhere to this 30% gender quota.
The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) recently released a report detailing the gender breakdown of appointments made by President Joseph Boakai as of March 19, 2024.
According to the report, a total of 419 appointments have been made, with 302 being men (72%) and 117 being women (28%). These appointments do not include Officers in Charge, statutory board chairs, or members of boards or commissions.
In the ministerial posts with portfolios, the WONGOSOL report says 17 out of 18 have been nominated, with 13 men (76.5%) and 4 women (23.5%) selected. When considering ministers without a portfolio, the report provides that women make up only 26% (5 out of 19) at the ministerial level.
The gender gap is also evident in the nomination of deputy ministers, where 69% (42 out of 61) are men and 31% (19 out of 61) are women. Similarly, in the assistant minister positions, 74% (57 out of 77) are men and 26% (20 out of 77) are women.
Furthermore, out of 84 appointments to senior positions or boards in agencies, authorities, and commissions, a significant majority of 79% are men, leaving only 21% for women. In the security sector, the disparity is even more pronounced, with 95% men and only 5% women among the 19 appointments.
The report also highlights the imbalanced representation in leadership/management positions in state-owned enterprises, where 87% (13 out of 15) are men and only 13% (2 out of 15) are women. Additionally, out of 93 non-statutory board appointments, 61% are men and 39% are women. However, only 19% of chairpersons are women, indicating a clear lack of gender diversity at the helm of these boards.
In ministries and the Office of the Presidency, gender inequity persists, with 65% (13 out of 20) of nominations being men and only 35% (7 out of 20) being women. Among the 7 ambassadors and/or representatives nominated, 86% are men and a mere 14% are women.
Lastly, in local government appointments, 75% are men, while only 25% are women, further exemplifying the gender gap prevalent in the administration of President Boakai.
For years, women have been resilient in heightening the urgent need for more gender-inclusive and equitable appointment practices to ensure fair representation and diversity in decision-making roles within the Liberian government.
Though Mr. Boakai has shown a little strength through the appointment of women to Health, Agriculture, Education, and other strategic posts, WONGOSOL’s report of the President’s appointments displayed gender disparity.
Days before the release of the WONGOSOL report, Martin Kollie, a strong supporter of the ruling Unity Party (UP) claimed that President Boakai has already met the 30% women representation quota in his government, with 31.6% women representation.
Following Mr. Boakai’s inauguration on January 22, 2024, Miatta Garmai Darwolor, a prominent Liberian women’s rights defender, and Executive Director of Sister Aid Liberia came forward with a list of recommendations for President Boakai’s administration, including the need to prioritize gender equality, inclusivity.
Women in Liberia tirelessly supported Mr. Boakai’s campaign. With this, Madam Darwolor said it is crucial to recognize their loyalty and dedication by ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes at the highest levels, including the cabinet and administration.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the 2023 general elections revealed that women won 10.7 percent of seats, a significant decline from 11 percent in 2017. It is also far below the average for Africa, of 26 percent.
Liberia sits sixth from the bottom of 162 countries on the Gender Inequality Index.
This discouraging report is also acknowledged by a 2022 World Bank report which shows that women are underrepresented in elective office in Liberia and among the lowest in the world.
