Published: July 22, 2026
MONROVIA – The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has intensified its campaign for the passage of the Women and Girls Protection Bill, urging members of the House of Representatives to enact the proposed legislation to strengthen legal protections against gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls.
The renewed appeal was made during a one-day engagement with the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Gender, Local Government, Health and Education, where AFELL presented the draft legislation and outlined its significance in safeguarding the rights, dignity and well-being of women and girls across Liberia.
The engagement forms part of the project, “Strengthening Legislative Frameworks and Access to Justice to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” implemented under the Spotlight Initiative 2.0 with funding from the European Union through UN Women Liberia.
AFELL said the proposed legislation seeks to address longstanding harmful practices that continue to threaten the lives and rights of women and girls, including female genital mutilation, forced and child marriage, harmful widowhood rites, age-based violence and discrimination.
According to the organization, the bill would establish a stronger legal framework to prevent such abuses, hold perpetrators accountable and improve access to justice and legal remedies for survivors.
Addressing lawmakers, AFELL President Cllr. Philomena T. Williams stressed the urgent need to close existing gaps in Liberia’s legal framework to better protect women and girls from violence and harmful cultural practices.
According to UN Women Liberia, Williams said the legislation is intended to guarantee that every woman and girl in Liberia can live free from violence, discrimination and abuse while enjoying equal protection under the law.
“The proposed law is intended to ensure that every woman and girl in Liberia can live free from violence, discrimination and abuse while enjoying equal protection under the law,” she emphasized.
Presenting the key provisions of the bill, AFELL Vice President Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley explained that the legislation establishes legal protections for women and girls, provides remedies for survivors and prescribes penalties for individuals found guilty of violating their rights.
Kelley said the proposed law promotes dignity, bodily autonomy, equality and access to justice by strengthening legal safeguards against harmful practices that continue to endanger women and girls throughout the country.
She noted that the legislation is designed not only to punish offenders but also to ensure survivors receive protection, support and effective legal remedies.
Responding to the presentation, Chairperson of the House Committee on Gender, Rep. Moima Briggs Mensah, commended AFELL for its sustained advocacy and commitment to advancing legal reforms that protect women and girls.
Mensah assured participants that the Joint Committee would continue reviewing the proposed legislation in collaboration with other lawmakers while engaging the public to build broader understanding and support for its passage.
She emphasized that public participation will be essential to ensuring the legislation reflects the aspirations of Liberians and effectively addresses the challenges facing women and girls.
If enacted, the Women and Girls Protection Bill would significantly strengthen Liberia’s legal response to violence against women and girls by criminalizing and addressing harmful cultural and traditional practices that have long been the focus of advocacy by women’s rights organizations.
AFELL described the proposed legislation as a landmark step toward protecting the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls and called for continued collaboration among lawmakers, civil society organizations and development partners to secure its passage into law.
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