GENDER (IN)EQUALITY REVISITED IN LIBERIA FROM A LIBERAL FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE AND BEYOND (2005 – 2022)

Abstract

Liberian political landscape has been dominated by male political figures since its independence in 1847. The first elected female president in the country was possible as a result of a post-war election in 2005. However, gender inequality persists in Liberia’s public realm, with women continuing to be underrepresented. Women currently make up only 11 percent of the parliament's 103 members. Against this backdrop, this article examines the progress made in addressing gender inequality in the political system of Liberia, focusing on the governments of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Ambassador George Manneh Weah, who was elected as President in 2018, evaluating specific empowerment areas. Thus, two key questions are addressed in this vein: During Madam Sirleaf's administration, what advancements were made in the struggle against gender inequality in Liberia's political system? And are those advances being maintained during the presidency of Ambassador Weah? This research article was conducted using qualitative methodology, which was supplemented with data and information gathered from the United Nations Development Index, the Gender Equality Index, the Democracy Index, and Freedom House, as well as relevant scholarly literature.