On 10 July 2025, members of the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL) met with Ambassador Manoj Bihari Verma at the Embassy of India in Monrovia and had a constructive interaction focused on partnership, women’s empowerment, parliamentary cooperation and capacity building.
The meeting was led by Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh, Chairperson of WLCL and Representative for District #3, Bong County. She was accompanied by eight other members of the Caucus from both the House and the Senate.
In its official social media statement, the Embassy said:
“We are honoured to host Members of the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia (WLCL), led by Chairperson Hon. Ellen A. Attoh-Wreh. Discussions covered potential collaborations and parliamentary exchanges. WLCL appreciated India’s ongoing support under the UN South-South Cooperation framework for women’s empowerment and gender equality.”
A key highlight of the meeting was acknowledgement of a new development project recently approved under recent IBSA Fund (India, Brazil, South Africa). A proposal od US$1 million proposal has been recently approved to strengthen the capacities of Liberia’s Women Legislative Caucus in partnership with UN Women. This initiative aims to promote gender-responsive lawmaking and governance through tailored capacity development programs.
Its objectives include developing an action plan for legislative reforms to address discriminatory laws, promoting access to sexual and reproductive health rights, advancing women’s equal rights to economic resources and employment, and supporting informal education and economic empowerment opportunities for women and young women, particularly in rural areas.
The WLCL members expressed appreciation for India’s support in promoting gender-focused development through the UN South-South Cooperation framework.
Ambassador Verma thanked the Caucus for the warm reception extended to the Indian All-Party Parliamentary Delegation during its visit to Liberia from 1-3 June 2025, and conveyed India’s gratitude for Liberia’s solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
WLCL members praised India’s efforts in strengthening women’s leadership and expressed interest in future exchanges and training opportunities in collaboration with Indian institutions.
WLCL Participants Included:
1. Hon. Ellen Attoh-Wreh, Chairperson and Representative, District 3, Margibi County
2. Hon. Prescilla Abram-Cooper, Co-Chair, National Affairs and Representative, District 5, Montserrado County
3. Hon. Julie Wiah, Finance Secretary and Representative, District 2, Lofa County
4. Hon. G. Bessie Sonii-Feika, Treasurer and Representative, District 3, Grand Cape Mount County
5. Hon. Marie Johnson, Member and Representative, District 2, Grand Gedeh County
6. Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Member and Representative, District 6, Bong County
7. Hon. Sen. Dabah Varpilah, Member and Senator, Grand Cape Mount County
8. Hon. Sen. Botoe Kanneh, Member and Senator, Gbarpolu County
9. Madam Marayah Fyneah, Head of Secretariat, WLCL
The meeting concluded on a positive note with both sides expressing positive interest in continuing collaboration and building additional avenues for cooperation between the Indian Embassy and the Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia.
