Liberia
Liberia
Women in Liberia were powerful non-violent activists during the years of the the Second Liberian Civil War (1999-2003), and have led the efforts to rebuild their country through empowering women to participate in politics and peace processes.
Under the presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female head of state in Africa, Liberia has developed a National Action Plan on the implementation of Resolution 1325 (2000), and began a constitutional review process in 2015 that many hoped would outlaw discrimination against women.
However, traditional and cultural practices perpetuate gender inequality through today, exacerbated by the de-prioritization of the gender equality agenda following the Ebola epidemic. Women community leaders were instrumental in stopping the spread of the Ebola virus in 2014, during which women paid a particularly high price— three in four Ebola deaths were women, due to their traditional roles of caregivers (Liberian Ministry of Health).
Based on the work of NGOWG members and their partners, the NGOWG advocates for the Security Council’s continued support for the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in the effort to mainstream the women, peace and security agenda across its entire operation, giving special attention to sexual and gender-based violence.
Current and Past Recommendations to the UN Security Council (Monthly Action Points)
Liberia (April 2012)
In its discussion of the forthcoming Secretary-General’s report on the UN mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Council should ensure the report provides information on progress in sensitizing and developing the capacity of Liberian institutions (including governmental branches, the army, and police) with regard to issues of gender, sexual and gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse. The report should also include UNMIL’s assessment of its own initiatives to sensitize and develop the capacity of its personnel, including peacekeepers and UNMIL office staff, on these issues. The report should include the current status of human rights in Liberia, including weaknesses of rule of law institutions, economic insecurity, and the continuing limited access to social services, particularly for women. Finally, the report should address progress and challenges in ensuring that the Liberian National Police Gender Unit receives ongoing adequate gender training, and logistical and equipment support. Council members should review the document for information on education and vocational training for women and girls associated with fighting forces in reintegration efforts; full access to post-conflict relief and recovery programs for survivors of gender-based violence; and the prioritizing of women’s participation in all post-conflict recovery programs, especially their representation in the constitution-drafting process, and in the electoral system, the police, and the judiciary. Special attention should be paid to guaranteeing the participation of women associated with fighting forces in the electoral process.
Relevant Resources
