WONGOSOL Empowers Women in Gbarpolu to Break Barriers and Promote Leadership

By: Henry B Gboluma, Jr & Solomon Tayblah

Bopolu, Gbarpolu County —Saturday, June 14, 2025- Historically, women in Liberia have faced significant challenges in fully participating in leadership and decision-making roles. Despite their vital contributions to society, their representation in governance remains limited.

According to recent data, women’s representation in Liberia’s legislature stood at approximately 11% following the 2023 General Elections. In the local government structure, women occupy about 11% of positions, while women’s representation in chiefdom leadership is around 8.2%.

Recognizing this gap, the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) on June 12, 2025, concluded a two-day advocacy event in Gbarpolu County aimed at amplifying women’s voices and leadership capacity.

The event, titled “Strengthening Women’s Advocacy at the Local and National Levels to Promote Gender Equality in Liberia,” brought together community leaders, women’s groups, and stakeholders to discuss barriers to women’s political participation and strategies to overcome them.

Madam Finda S. Salie, WONGOSOL’s Project Lead, emphasized the organization’s mission: “We are here to gather information from women on the issues they face regarding their rights to participate politically and in leadership roles.” She called on residents to become “Ambassadors of change” and urged women to recognize and harness their potential.

During the event, women shared challenges such as limited access to education and vocational training. “Most of the young women here are out of high school but lack the means to pursue further education,” Madam Salie noted. She also highlighted the need for a local nursing or college school in Gbarpolu to provide opportunities for women and girls to serve their community better.

The event featured a listening session where women expressed their desire for increased support and opportunities. “When I first started working on women’s issues, I noticed many women could not speak out,” Madam Salie reflected. “But now, they are gradually finding their voice, thanks to organizations encouraging them to speak on their issues.”

Bopolu’s Mayor, Madam Siah Keah Victor, praised WONGOSOL’s efforts. “This is an eye-opener for many women, including myself,” she said. “My position as a female City Mayor should motivate others to step into public service and leadership.”

As WONGOSOL continues its advocacy, the organization remains committed to empowering women across Liberia, helping them overcome barriers and assume leadership roles essential for national development.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief