Mrs Edith Gongloe-Weh

A former Liberian government official has expressed serious concern about the lack of equity within the governance structure of Liberia.

Edith Gongloe–Weh, former superintendent of the Nimba County, said the lack of equity for women in key positions in the governance process of the country has slowed the pace of development in many parts of the nation.

The former superintendent of one of the country’s largest and most populated counties told reporters over the weekend that Liberia has a female population of about 51 percent, which is slightly more than that of men, and hence women should not be marginalized in the development process of the country.

She observed that due to the marginalization of women over the years, Liberia’s growth and development has been impeded. Weh noted that women play a major role in the forward movement of any nation, with Liberia being no exception. 

She explained that it is crucial for Liberian women to have access to key positions in managing the affairs of the state that would help to move the nation forward.

Former Superintendent Weh emphasized that Liberia cannot be fully developed when women, who are the bedrock in most sectors of the economy, are excluded from the development process.

Meanwhile, the country’s gender and development ministry is troubled by an increase in violence against women and girls in recent times across the country.

Minister Julia Duncan Cassell said the gruesome murder of a 25-year-old university female student and the reported cruel gang rape of a female in Tewor District in Grand Cape Mount County have claimed the attention of the ministry.

She observed that student Dekonte Farley was brutally murdered allegedly by her boyfriend identified as Benedict Wesseh on April 29, in the Lakpazee Community.

Minister Duncan Cassell was speaking at the weekend at a press conference held at the Ministry of Gender and Development on the United Nations Drive.

She also cited the rape of an 11-year-old girl by a medical intern in Cestos City in River Cess County and several other cases of abuse of women and girls around the country.

Minister Duncan-Cassell indicated that Liberia is a signatory to the United Nations’ Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women as adopted by the UN General Assembly’s 85^th Plenary Meeting on December 20, 1993.

The gender minister reminded those engaged in “such ugly and heinous acts” that they will not go with impunity because “Government will ensure that anybody caught in such act will face the full weight of the law.” 

Liberian National News Agency (LINA)