Nimba County—Rural women across Liberia are calling on the government to support their quest for land ownership rights in their respective counties and communities.
By: Franklin Doloquee
They claim they have been marginalized by their male counterparts, who they believe dominate land ownership in the country.
At a gathering in Ganta, Nimba County, to celebrate Women’s Land Rights Day, the women voiced their frustrations over land rights issues, emphasizing the challenges they face compared to men in rural parts of Liberia.
The event was aimed to review the progress made in implementing Liberia’s Land Rights Law.
The women expressed that their attempts to obtain land have been hindered by men, who they claim are the sole authority over land ownership.
Several speakers at the event said they have been restricted from acquiring land, with some adding that they lack the freedom to provide for their children by growing crops or building a future.
The women expressed hope that the government would enforce the Land Rights Act, which they believe would grant them the opportunity to secure ownership of land and help them provide for their families.
“This will give us the privilege and immunity as women to have ownership, compared to our male counterparts,” a female participant remarked.
Also speaking, Deborah S. Foko, Chief Executive Officer of the United Disability Women of Liberia, expressed her disappointment that disabled women, along with other women across the country, have been marginalized in the quest for land ownership.
She emphasized that women with disabilities are often underestimated but are making significant contributions to the country.
Other women speakers, including Fodie Shekel of Lofa County and Christian Geegbe and Eve Kpalleh of Sinoe County, voiced similar frustrations over their limited access to land.
They praised Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development (SESDev) for creating a platform that allows them to advocate for inclusive land rights.
For his part, Irish Ambassador to Liberia, Claire Buckley, stated that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is a priority for Ireland.
He emphasized that land rights are central to achieving gender equality and sustainable development.
“In Liberia, women play a significant role in agriculture, accounting for approximately 80 percent of the labor force and 93 percent of food crop production. Yet, women face challenges due to discriminatory social norms and structural inequalities,” Buckley said.
Ambassador Buckley further stated that women have the right to equality in all aspects, including access to land, inheritance, and ownership.
He, however, urged the Liberian government and its development partners to ensure strong oversight and accountability mechanisms that promote women’s land rights.
Also, Erin Star Hughes, Chief of Party for USAID’s Land Management Activity, also pledged USAID’s continued support for land rights and development activities in Liberia.
She praised the productivity of women and noted that land ownership would help further enhance their contributions.
At the same time, Atty. Mmonbeydo N. Joah, Executive Director of the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH), reminded the rural women that securing their land rights is not only a matter of justice but also a crucial component of sustainable development.
She admonished the government and partners to take decisive action to close the gaps and ensure that every woman in Liberia has equal access to land.
