Monrovia, Liberia – The recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai offers an important perspective on Liberia’s developmental strides.
However, a gender-focused analysis of the address reveals significant shortfalls in prioritizing structural and systemic changes necessary for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Notable Progress: The SONA highlighted several achievements related to gender and social protection:
- Women’s representation in leadership positions is increasing, with 39% of ministerial roles, 31% of deputy ministerial roles, and 40% of superintendent positions held by women.
- The establishment of the 116 GBV Call Center provides vital 24/7 support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including counseling and legal assistance.
- A $1.8 million allocation to PLAN International supports the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, aimed at fostering economic empowerment and addressing harmful gender norms.
- Cash transfer programs benefitted nearly 4,000 vulnerable households, and over 4,000 street children were linked to financial support under the “Support a Child, Save the Future” initiative.
Key Gaps and Concerns: Despite these efforts, the address lacks comprehensive commitments to addressing deeper gender inequalities:
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): While the GBV Call Center is a positive step, there is no mention of legal reforms, enforcement measures, or increased funding for prevention and response efforts. Data on SGBV prevalence and accountability measures for perpetrators were notably absent.
- Economic Empowerment: Gender-responsive budgeting and policies addressing the economic gender gap in employment and wages were not discussed.
- Education and Health: No concrete measures were outlined to reduce the gender gap in education or improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, despite high adolescent pregnancy rates.
- Political Participation: Although women’s representation in government appointments is commendable, there was no mention of gender quotas or electoral reforms to enhance women’s participation in elected offices.
Need for National Ownership and Sustainable Funding
A key gap in the address is the heavy reliance on donor funding for critical programs related to gender, health, and social protection.
While international partnerships play an important role, sustained national development cannot depend on external aid alone. Recent reductions in foreign aid highlight the urgency for the government to take full ownership of gender and social protection initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience against shifting donor priorities.
Recommendations for Action: To achieve meaningful progress toward gender equality and social protection, we urge the Government of Liberia to:
1. Establish an SGBV and RSH fund: to ensure sustainable funding for these vital services such as: maternal care, contraceptives, and SRH education and SGBV services.
2. Strengthen SGBV Response Mechanisms: Increase funding for shelters, legal aid, and survivor support while committing to enforce legal reforms to ensure accountability.
3. Implement Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Prioritize sustained investments in women’s economic empowerment and programs addressing wage parity.
4. Prioritize Girls’ Education: Launch scholarships, mentorship programs, and school Infrastructure improvements to ensure equitable access to quality education.
5. Enhance Women’s Political Representation: Introduce electoral reforms, such as gender quotas, to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes.
While the administration has taken steps toward inclusive development, these efforts fall short of addressing the structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality in Liberia.
A stronger commitment to gender justice, bolstered by sustainable national funding and bold policy initiatives, is critical to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and girls.
Liberia’s progress depends on transformative actions that prioritize gender equality as a cornerstone of national development.
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