AWLN Liberia Hosts One-Day Dialogue to Strengthen Women’s Understanding on Land Rights
December 5, 2025
Careysburg Montserrado: In an effort to deepen women’s understanding of land ownership and strengthen their participation in land governance, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Liberia Chapter has hosted a one-day dialogue aimed at dispelling misconceptions and addressing legal gaps surrounding women’s land rights.
The event brought together rural and urban women, traditional leaders, and advocates for an open exchange on the legal frameworks guiding land acquisition, inheritance, and ownership in Liberia. Presenting on “Legal Framework and Women’s Land Rights,”
Cllr. Lucia D.S. Gbala emphasized the importance of ensuring that anyone selling land is the legitimate owner. She urged women to always demand proper title documents and keep secure copies as protection against fraud.
She further stressed that women have full legal rights to own, inherit, and control property, including land belonging to deceased fathers and spouses. The dialogue also served as a platform for testimonies from women who have overcome cultural barriers. Madam Mary Lartey, one of 38 siblings, shared how she became a key administrator of her late father’s land an achievement she credited to increased awareness of women’s rights.
“I’m grateful to AWLN Liberia for this initiative. Today our eyes are open. The perception has changed women can own land from our fathers and our husbands,” she said.
Another participant, Madam Kebbeh Mongar, highlighted the need for more awareness in rural communities, where customs often overshadow legal rights. “Our people must know their rights.
When you farm on your husband’s family land, that land is not his and not for your children. Many women do not understand this,” she said. She also called for greater agricultural support, adding: “We produce cassava, but there are no buyers.
Our crops spoil because there’s no value addition.” Representing the Ministry of Gender, Deputy Minister Atty. Laura Golakeh praised AWLN’s efforts and called for continued implementation of land-rights education at the community level.
“The Land Rights Act recognizes women’s rights to ownership, inheritance, and governance. But implementation must reach every community,” she noted. She also referenced government strategies such as the National Gender Policy and the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, which currently supports women across six counties.
Speaking during the program, Madam Ellen Platt urged government to ensure that women fully benefit from existing laws. “Women are still being left out.
When a man dies, we still see women fighting for property. This must stop,” she stressed, calling for the Liberia Land Authority to extend its presence to every county. Madam Josephine Francis, Chair of AWLN’s Pillar on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Blue Economy, underscored the central role of land in women’s economic empowerment.
“Why women and land? Because it is our right. Land ownership gives women control over agriculture, livelihoods, and family security.
This dialogue ensures no woman is left behind.” The one-day event brought together women from diverse communities and districts reinforcing AWLN’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership, dignity, and economic independence through secure land rights.
The training was held on Wednesday December 3, 2025, at Arjay Farms in Careysburg
