More than 200 women political aspirants from the 15 counties gathered in Paynesville on May 27, 2026, for a landmark national forum.
The forum was to strengthen women’s participation in politics, and preparing female candidates for the 2029 elections.
The gathering was under the theme: “National Networking and Experience-Sharing Forum for Women Political Aspirants.”
It brought together aspiring leaders, elected officials, former candidates, women’s organizations, and key electoral stakeholders.
They discussed challenges and opportunities facing women seeking public office.
Organized by Sister Aid Liberia in partnership with UN Women Liberia, under the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), the forum served as a platform for mentorship, networking, peer learning, and practical dialogue on increasing women’s representation in governance.
Despite years of advocacy for gender equality, women feel, they continue to face significant barriers in the country’s political landscape.
Women currently occupy only 11 of the 103 seats in the Legislature, representing just 10.7 percent of lawmakers.
Participants highlighted persistent obstacles, including inadequate campaign financing, limited political networks, low public visibility, intimidation, and violence against women in politics.
A recent nationwide survey supported by UN Women, and conducted by Sister Aid Liberia, revealed strong interest among women in the counties to contest public office, but many expressed concerns about the challenges associated with running successful campaigns.
On behalf of the government, Gender Ministry Deputy for Administration, Laura Golakeh, reaffirmed government’s commitment to promote women’s political participation, and encouraged more women to pursue leadership roles.
Representative Moima Briggs Mensah of Bong County Electoral District #6, on behalf of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, urged women to remain confident in their abilities and seek elected office.
Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, called for deliberate support for women candidates, emphasizing the need for collective action to close the longstanding gender gap in leadership and decision-making positions.
National Elections Commission (NEC) Commissioner, Josephine Kou Gaye, stressed the importance of strengthening legal and policy frameworks, while former Vice President, Jewel Howard Taylor, pointed to inequalities within political party structures as a major obstacle to balanced representation.
The forum discussed campaign financing, voter engagement, candidate registration, political party structures and measures to prevent violence against women in elections.
Organizers described the gathering as the beginning of an effort to provide mentorship, leadership training, advocacy, and capacity-building support for women preparing to contest the 2029 elections.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained investment in women’s political participation will create a more inclusive and representative democracy.