Women Legislative Caucus Pushes for Budgetary Allocation, Inducts New Core of Officers

May 29, 2025

By Laymah Kollie

The Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL) has inducted new leadership with a call for budgetary support.

The occasion which took place on May 27,2025 inducted Margibi County Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh as Chairperson of the Caucus along with other Officers to steer the affairs of the Caucus for the next three years.

Representative Prescilla Abram Cooper as Co-Chair on National Affairs while Representative Rugie Yatu Barry was elected Co-Chair on International Affairs. Others are, Representative Bintu Massalay-Secretary, Representative Julie Fatorma Wiah-Financial Secretary and Rep. Gbessie Sonii-Feika-Treasurer

Addressing the colleagues and guests, the newly elected chairperson, Rep. Ellen Attah-Wreh outlined key plans the body intends to implement during its term of office. According to her The group strategic plan for 2024 to 2028 lays out four priorities areas which  include: strengthening legislative function by promoting gender sensitive law, championing specific laws that support gender parity in leadership, and reflect the realities of women and girls across Liberia.

The WLCL also has plan to implement oversight role by advocating for gender-responsive budgeting and holding institutions accountable for delivering on policies and programs meant to serve women. “As part of WLCL plan, we will increase women’s participation in politics, supporting young women entering leadership, and working with communities to make political spaces more open, accessible, and safe. While at the same time strengthening the Women’s Legislative Caucus institution by improving internal operations, communications, and the sustainability of the Secretariat.”.

 “We need enforceable provisions across all of this work, we know the barriers women face remain serious, most women still lack access to information, political financing, and networks of support, many carry the full burden of care responsibilities while Others are threatened or silenced when they try to lead” she added.

The ceremony was graced by national and international partners, civil society actors, government officials amongst others. In attendance were the Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, UN Women, the Embassy of South Africa, Irish Embassy, UNDP, Female Journalists Association of Liberia amongst others. Meanwhile, madam Comfort Lamptey, Country Representative for UN Women in Liberia emphasised the importance of women’s representation at the national legislature. According to Madam Lamptey, female representation is not just about numbers, but it’s about building the system where women will have a fair chance to run, to lead and to shift national decisions. She reaffirmed UN Women commitment to supporting women in Liberia. “Let me reaffirm UN Women commitment to support the women legislative caucus and al women activities in Liberia”.