By: Joseph Kerkula
A coalition of civil society organizations under the banner National Campaigners Against Harmful Practices on Tuesday petitioned the National Legislature, calling for urgent passage of the Women and Girls Protection Act of 2025 to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful traditional practices in Liberia.
The campaigners, comprising women’s rights groups, youth organizations, community activists, and traditional leaders, gathered on Capitol Hill in a show of solidarity, urging lawmakers to take decisive action to protect thousands of women and girls from violence.
Reading the petition on behalf of the group, Campaign Lead Miatta Garmai Darwolor described FGM as a grave human rights violation that continues to undermine the health, dignity, and future of Liberian women and girls.
“These practices are a direct threat to the health, future, and human rights of women and girls in Liberia,” Darwolor said.
“We are calling on the 55th Legislature to take swift and decisive action by passing this Act, which represents a historic opportunity to protect thousands of girls from violence.”
She hailed President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for submitting the bill earlier this year, saying the move demonstrates strong political will to confront gender-based violence and eliminate long-standing discriminatory cultural norms.In their petition, the group urged lawmakers to uphold Liberia’s obligations under regional and international treaties protecting women and girls, as well as commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 5, which calls for ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
Receiving the petition, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon commended the advocates for their commitment and assured them that the Legislature remains fully supportive of efforts to protect the rights of women and girls.“We hear your concerns, and we stand with you,” Speaker Koon said.
“The Legislature remains committed to ensuring that the Women and Girls Protection Act is given full legislative attention. We will work to support measures that safeguard the rights and dignity of all Liberian women and girls.”
The statement was met with applause from campaigners, many of whom expressed optimism that 2025 could mark a turning point in Liberia’s decades-long fight against FGM and harmful practices.
Advocates say the Women and Girls Protection Act, once passed, will strengthen legal protections for victims, expand community awareness, establish accountability frameworks, ensure access to survivor support services, and clearly outline enforcement responsibilities across traditional and state institutions.Human rights defenders argue that such legislation is essential to safeguarding vulnerable girls, especially in rural areas where harmful traditional practices remain prevalent.
The National Campaigners Against Harmful Practices reaffirmed their commitment to continue grassroots mobilization, public education, policy advocacy, and collaboration with government institutions until all harmful practices against women and girls are eradicated nationwide.
