Monrovia – Liberian lawmakers, civil society organizations and gender advocates have reignited efforts and renewed calls for the passage of the proposed Women and Girls Protection Act of 2025, describing it as a critical step toward ending female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other harmful traditional practices while at the same time preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
By Emmanuel M. Weedee-Conway
The appeal was made during a national stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the Child Resource Institute Liberia (CRI-L), which brought together legislators, government officials, legal practitioners, students and schools’ authorities to discuss the status of the proposed legislation and strategies for building nationwide support.
The bill, which was submitted by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to the Legislature, seeks to reform traditional practices that endanger the health, dignity and rights of women and girls without abolishing Liberia’s cultural identity.
Leading the panel discussion at the dialogue, Representative Moima Briggs Mensah of Bong County Electoral District 6, one of the leading advocates of the legislation, stressed that the bill is not intended to destroy Liberian culture but to eliminate practices that cause physical and psychological harm.
“Our tradition is unique and valuable. What we are asking is that we remove the harmful parts while preserving the good values that teach our children respect, responsibility and good citizenship,” stated the Bong County lawmaker.
She explained that lawmakers deliberately titled the proposed legislation the Women and Girls Protection Act instead of framing it as legislation against traditional practices, emphasizing that its primary objective is to safeguard women and girls while respecting cultural heritage.
According to Rep. Mensah, the bill has already undergone committee review involving the Judiciary, Gender, Health and Internal Affairs Committees, followed by consultations with civil society organizations, government institutions and traditional stakeholders.
She disclosed that lawmakers unanimously agreed to return to their constituencies for wider public consultations before taking a final vote.
“We work for the people, not ourselves. Before we pass this law, our citizens must understand what it contains and give us their views.”
Rep. Briggs-Mensah pointed out that the legislation also provides for the establishment of heritage centers and livelihood support for individuals whose incomes may be affected by the abolition of harmful traditional practices.
Giving an overview of the dialogue earlier, CRI-L Executive Director Victor P. Howard said the engagement was intended to bridge the information gap between lawmakers and rural communities, where many people remain unaware of the content of the proposed legislation.
Howard noted that civil society organizations recognized the need to ensure that communities most affected by the law fully understand its objectives, while also providing lawmakers with grassroots perspectives before the bill is passed.
Accordingly, Representative Anthony Williams of Maryland County District 2 described the proposed law as one of the most difficult pieces of legislation currently before the House because it touches deeply held cultural beliefs.
He cautioned that many citizens wrongly believe the bill seeks to abolish all traditional practices instead of targeting only harmful ones.
“The challenge is changing the human mind. People believe their heritage is under attack, so we must clearly separate harmful practices from the traditions we want to preserve.”
He warned that passage of the bill will requires extensive public education, noting that lawmakers in favor of the legislation are in the minority while many legislators still represent communities that strongly support traditional practices.
Also speaking at the occasion, Representative Jacob Debee also expressed support for preserving Liberia’s cultural identity while at the same time eliminating practices that violate the constitutional rights of women and girls.
“We must keep our culture, but we must also protect women and girls. Anything that goes against our Constitution should be revisited.”
He criticized previous governments for ratifying international conventions without adequately educating rural communities about their implications, saying this has fueled misunderstanding and resistance.
Rep. Debee called on lawmakers to engage traditional elders, youth and local leaders across the country before the legislation is enacted.
“We cannot pass a law in Monrovia and expect people in the villages to accept it without explanation. We must go back, educate them and help them understand why these harmful practices must change.”
Also addressing the forum, gender Cllr. Lucia Diana Sonii Gbala, a renowned Liberian female lawyer and legal professor, called for stronger institutional mechanisms to implement the proposed law if passed.
Cllr. Gbala, a partner at the Heritage Partners and Associate (HPA), recommended the establishment of a dedicated agency or department within the Ministry of Local Government to coordinate awareness campaigns and monitor enforcement through local government structures, including chiefs, commissioners and traditional leaders.
Cllr. Gbala also urged men to become active advocates against female genital mutilation, arguing that the consequences affect entire families and communities.
“If your daughter suffers or dies because of this practice, it affects everyone. This is not just a women’s issue. It is a national issue.”
In a special statement, CRI-L Board Chairperson Nelson N. Nukolo asserted that the legislation represents an important opportunity to build a safer, more just and inclusive Liberia where women and children can live free from violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
