LIBERIANS HAVE LONG advocated for a 30% benchmark in political participation and representation within the government. However, this goal has faced challenges in past administrations, and current efforts under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership still short of this crucial gender balance. The Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) recently published a report on the gender distribution of appointments within President Boakai’s government as of March 19, 2024.
THE REPORT SHOWS that out of a total of 419 appointments, 72% are men (302) while only 28% are women (117), failing to meet the 30% representation target set by women’s advocacy groups. These figures exclude Officers in Charge, statutory board chairs, and board or commission members.
SPECIFICALLY, WITHIN MINISTERIAL posts with portfolios, 76.5% of the 18 nominees are men, leaving only 23.5% for women. The imbalance continues in ministerial positions without portfolios, where women represent only 26% (5 out of 19).
FURTHERMORE, THE GENDER gap persists in the appointment of deputy ministers, with 69% men and 31% women, as well as in assistant minister roles, where 74% are men and 26% are women.
SENIOR POSITIONS AND board appointments in agencies, authorities, and commissions also skew heavily towards men, with 79% of the 84 positions occupied by men compared to just 21% by women. In the security sector, the disparity is stark, with 95% men and a mere 5% women among the 19 appointments.
IN STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES, men hold 87% of leadership positions, leaving only 13% for women, further underscoring the need for gender balance and diversity in decision-making roles.
IN MINISTERIES 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. 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.
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.
FOR US, WE believe that Mr. Boakai has shown interest in heightening women’s representation in government, especially with 28% but we anticipate that he at least meets the 30% gender quota or exceeds it if possible.
WE ENCOURAGE PRESIDENT Joseph Boakai to prioritize gender equality and make a concerted effort to meet the 30% gender quota for women’s representation in government appointments. We believe it is important for the administration to take proactive steps toward achieving a more inclusive and diverse leadership that reflects the full spectrum of Liberian society.
