MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, has raised concerns over the persistent inequalities faced by women with disabilities, urging targeted action to address their marginalization. Speaking on March 5, 2025, at the Conference on the Status of Women with Disabilities in Liberia, held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Cllr. Tweh emphasized that women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion.
Referencing the 2022 National Population Census, Cllr. Tweh revealed that over half a million Liberians, approximately 534,316, live with functional disabilities. He pointed out that women bear a heavier burden, with 9.0 percent of females reporting disabilities compared to 8.4 percent of males. Additionally, 2.8 percent of women experience severe disabilities that prevent them from performing any daily activities, a figure slightly higher than the 2.5 percent reported for men.
“The data shows a troubling reality. Women with disabilities face greater hardships, especially those heading households,” Cllr. Tweh remarked. “Nearly one in five female household heads live with a disability, a higher proportion than their male counterparts. These individuals are particularly vulnerable in rural areas where access to essential services is even more limited.”
Cllr. Tweh underscored that economic and social challenges faced by persons with disabilities are exacerbated during national crises. Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that PWDs faced heightened economic struggles due to their pre-existing marginalization.
The Justice Minister called for comprehensive policies to ensure greater economic support and social protection for women with disabilities. He stressed the importance of expanding livelihood programs to reduce the socioeconomic gaps faced by these vulnerable groups, particularly those living in rural communities.
