MONROVIA — Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh on Friday called on female legal professionals in Liberia to reignite their commitment to defending the rights of women and children, particularly in rural areas where legal protection remains severely lacking.

Speaking at the induction ceremony of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) at the Temple of Justice, Yuoh warned that justice remains elusive for many of Liberia’s most vulnerable citizens. She cited disturbing new trends in online trafficking and ongoing rights violations in underserved communities as urgent concerns that demand greater legal intervention.

“It is disheartening to see most of us who even have the time not making that time to go to our organization where we can make a difference,” the Chief Justice said. “The rural women are depending on us. The market women are depending on us.”

Yuoh, who is nearing the end of her tenure on the Supreme Court bench, pledged to rejoin AFELL in full capacity upon retirement. “Within three months’ time, you will see me there,” she declared, recalling her early years of volunteer service with the organization before joining the Law Reform Commission.

Her remarks were both reflective and urgent, underscoring the widening justice gap for women and children, particularly in rural Liberia, where many cannot recognize when their rights are being violated or access proper legal representation.

The Chief Justice also sounded the alarm on rising cases of digital exploitation, referencing the recent case of a Liberian woman deceived by an online relationship and left stranded in The Gambia. “There are current issues affecting women and children,” she said. “Women and children issues will always be current in any society… this organization will continually have its hands full.”

She further endorsed a constitutional amendment to extend AFELL leadership terms, describing the current two-year mandate as insufficient for sustainable advocacy. “I will be the proponent for that when I retire,” Yuoh said.

UN Women Country Representative Comfort Lamptey, delivering the keynote address, echoed the call for renewed activism and collaboration. She challenged AFELL to confront patriarchal barriers and expand partnerships with institutions, including the Gender Ministry, the Office of the War and Economic Crimes Court, and civil society networks like WONGOSOL.

“Now is the time to break entrenched patriarchal norms,” Lamptey said. “Women seeking justice are entitled to fair representation under the law.”

She commended AFELL’s progress over the years but emphasized that Liberia’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration goals—especially ending violence against women and empowering female leaders—must be accelerated. “This is central to your work,” she told members.

Incoming AFELL President Cllr. Philomena Tugbe Williams highlighted the group’s recent advocacy milestone in establishing a Juvenile Court in Montserrado County. However, she lamented the ongoing practice of detaining juvenile offenders alongside hardened adult criminals in poor conditions.

“Through our advocacy and the assistance of our partners, the Juvenile Court was established,” she said. “But juvenile delinquents are sadly being placed in surrounding jail cells with hardened adult criminals and complain of horrible detention conditions.”

AFELL’s new leadership team includes Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley as 1st Vice President, Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe as 2nd Vice President, Cllr. Sundaiway N. Amegashie as Secretary General, Cllr. Isabel B. Diggs as Treasurer, and Cllr. Tonieh Talery Wiles as Chaplain.

Founded in 1994 amid Liberia’s civil war, AFELL has grown into one of the country’s leading gender justice organizations. It provides free legal services through its Legal Aid Clinic and combats gender-based violence through its SGBV unit.

As Liberia navigates post-conflict reforms and rising digital threats, the message from the country’s top jurist and key international partners was unequivocal: the legal community must rise to meet the moment—or risk failing the very people they pledged to protect.

Liberia is taking substantial steps in its fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as stakeholders gather to review a draft bill aimed at prohibiting the harmful practice. At an engagement held at the RLJ Kendeja Resort on Thursday, Bong County District #6 Representative and Chairperson of the Committee on Gender, Children, and Social Protection at the House of Representatives, Moima Briggs-Mensah, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions while eradicating practices that violate human rights.

“If we want to stop it once and for all, we can maintain our culture. We can have our programs and teach our children how to sing, dance, cook, and take care of their families without resorting to harmful practices,” Representative Mensah stated. She highlighted that the draft FGM Prohibition Bill is designed to safeguard the health, security, and physical integrity of women and girls across Liberia.

The bill, currently under review, recollects a collective and intentional approach to ending FGM, a practice that has long-term physical and psychological consequences for its victims. Representative Mensah’s call for “initiation without mutilation” underscores the need to preserve cultural identity while eliminating harmful traditions.

The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) is at the forefront of advocating for the bill. AFELL has adopted a robust and systematic approach to champion the protection of women and girls, particularly against FGM. The organization is collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as the House of Representatives Committee on Gender, to ensure the bill’s successful passage.

As part of its advocacy campaign, AFELL has launched a series of nationwide consultations to review and refine the draft legislation. The first day of consultations brought together key stakeholders, including legal counsels from the Ministry of Gender, the Human Rights Commission, the Law Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Health. These discussions aim to address the legal, social, and cultural dimensions of FGM and ensure the bill’s alignment with international human rights standards.

Frederick Cooper, Deputy Minister for Administration and Acting Minister at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating FGM. He praised AFELL and its partners for their relentless efforts in combating the practice. “This fight requires collective action, and we are grateful for the support of all stakeholders,” Cooper said.

Philomena Williams, President of AFELL, emphasized the significance of the bill in protecting women and girls from harmful traditional practices. She called on politicians to refrain from justifying FGM for personal or political gain, stressing that such practices disproportionately harm young girls and women. “We must eliminate these practices and ensure the total involvement of all relevant stakeholders in combating violence against women and girls,” Williams asserted.g

The two-day consultation also addressed broader national issues, including good governance, the rule of law, and strategies to strengthen efforts against FGM. Representatives from the Law Reform Commission, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, and the Ministry of Health were also represented at the engagement.

Global and Local Context of FGM

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, with the practice being prevalent in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In Liberia, FGM is practiced in 11 of the country’s 15 counties. The WHO terms FGM as a violation of human rights.

In February 2022, the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia proclaimed a three-year ban on the practice of FGM from 2022 to 2025, during an anti-FGM event in Nimba County. Last month, Chief Arthur Dowah, the new chairperson of the National Council of Elders, told this paper that he lacks the authority to make decisions regarding FGM until the three-year ban on the practice is lifted. The ban, declared on February 6, 2022, officially ended on February 6, 2025, but has yet to be formally lifted by the government.

A reported lack of cooperation has led to traditional women being vulnerable, resulting in the resurgence of the practice in other parts of the country. On September 14 last year, Ma. Weto Musa, a prominent Zoe in Margibi County who owns and operates the Zenah Hill Bush School in the area graduated over 150 girls. She confirmed it to this publication. However, some community members said the number was higher following an inquiry by this paper in December last year.

International Commitments

Article V (Elimination of Harmful Practices) of the Maputo Protocol discourages harmful traditional practices and urges governments to prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices that negatively affect women’s human rights and are contrary to recognized international standards. “State Parties shall prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices that negatively affect the human rights of women and are contrary to recognized international standards.”

The protocol provides that state parties shall take all necessary legislative and other measures to eliminate such practices. Liberia signaled its commitment to ending FGM during the global convening of world leaders and women’s rights activists at the Generation Equality Forum in Paris in 2021. Liberia pledged to pursue efforts to end gender-based violence and became a signatory to the collective commitment to eradicating harmful practices, including FGM.

However, Liberia remains one of three West African countries without a law criminalizing FGM, despite having signed and ratified regional and international human rights instruments condemning the practice as a human rights violation, including the Maputo Protocol.

Ahead of this year’s March 8, 2025 international women’s day celebration, we like to shed light on some of our work we have done as contribution to inclusive governance in our country Liberia.

On February 3, 2025 Bowoulo Kelley Peteryna Jah-Kanneh and Atty. Facia B. Harris formed part of a technical working group at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during its National Stakeholder Consultation meeting, making significant contributions towards consideration of drafting a framework document of a Feminist Foreign Policy for Liberia.

The assessment done during the meeting evaluated how gender equality is institutionalized within the ministry, its policies, decision-making processes, and resource allocation and how gender equality can be prioritized and institutionalized in Liberia’s foreign Policy Framework.

AFEEL remains committed to advocating for the voices of women to be heard in all spheres of the Liberian society.

A delegation of lawyers from the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), led by Vice President Cllr. Bowuolo Taylor Kelley has returned home after an impactful three-day conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, titled “Waging Justice for Women Fellowship,” was organized by the Cooney Foundation for Justice, a key partner of AFELL

The conference focused on enhancing the skills of female lawyers in critical areas such as trauma-informed case management, strategic litigation, fundraising, and media engagement for human rights advocacy. Over thirty women lawyers from ten African countries participated, sharing insights and strategies for advancing women’s rights across the continent.

A highlight of the conference was a panel discussion on the status of strategic litigation in Africa. Cllr. Kelley represented Liberia, addressing the ongoing battle against female genital mutilation (FGM) within the country’s dual-legal system of civil and customary laws. She emphasized the absence of legislation specifically criminalizing FGM, which complicates efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.

Cllr. Kelley pointed out that while FGM is not explicitly criminalized in Liberia’s Penal Code, related provisions exist that could be applied in certain cases. She referenced sections addressing aggravated assault, kidnapping, and reckless endangerment, which may offer some legal recourse.

In 2018, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf issued Executive Order 92 to protect girls under 18 from FGM, yet Cllr. Kelley lamented that despite several moratoriums, the practice persists, often in the presence of local authorities. She urged the government to prioritize the enactment and enforcement of an anti-FGM law as part of a broader commitment to combat gender-based violence.

FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, infringing on the rights to health, security, and freedom from torture.

In addition to the training sessions, participants had the opportunity to engage with prominent figures such as Martha Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya, and Advocate Martha Karua, a notable politician and former Vice-Presidential candidate.

As Liberia is a signatory to several international human rights treaties, Cllr. Kelley stressed the government’s obligation to protect and promote the rights of its citizens.

In related news, Atty. Christine Tenneh Dono, a member of AFELL, received a certificate of completion for the 2023/2024 Waging Justice for Women Fellowship Program. Atty. Peter J. Kanneh was also inducted as the Legal Fellow for the 2025 program, marking a new chapter in Liberia’s commitment to advancing women’s rights.

The President of Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Philomena Williams, was honored by the visit of the Ambassador of Ireland to Liberia, Gerald Considine and his team at their offices in Monrovia.
On October 31, 2024, the Ambassador highlighted that his visit was one based on AFELL’s works in Liberia.
At the meeting, AFELL’s leadership reintegrated her mission in promoting, protecting and advancing the rights of women, children, and indigents persons in Liberia and emphasized her advocacy on Human Rights Violation, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Human Trafficking, Harmful Traditional Practices, Discrimination, Gender Sensitive Laws Reform and Women Political Participation.
AFELL informed the Ambassador that with the support of partners, some major achievements were made, including the establishing of the Juvenile Court, the passage of the inheritance law, the amendment of the New Penal Law of Liberia on the definition of rape, the establishment of Criminal Court E and the setting up of the SGBV unit of the Ministry of Justice.
AFELL further outlined to the Ambassador and his team the challenges in effectively executing its mission and requested from the Ambassador support to her programs.
The Ambassador stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration with AFELL in the execution of its programs and highlighted among others, advancing cooperation in human rights, gender equality, accountability, women political participation, health, climate change, and fellowship.
The Ambassador in climaxing the meeting pledged his team’s financial support in response to a request made by AFELL in support of a planned War and Economic Crimes (WECC) program organized by Transitional Justice Groups – Civil Society Organizations.
AFELL’s President Williams expressed her organization’s highest appreciation to the Ambassador and his government for the support to AFELL over the years, including the granting of scholarships to AFELL’s members.
The meeting was held with AFELL’s leadership, the President and Vice President, Atty. Philomena T. Williams and Cllr. Bowoulo Kelly, backed by the Chair and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, Cllr. Rosemarie James and Cllr. Felicia Coleman.

The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue of impunity in Liberia and upholding the country’s rule of law system.

In a statement delivered by Atty. Philomena Williams, President  of AFELL during the National Bar Assembly, the organization highlighted the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring access to justice for war victims.

AFELL was founded in 1994 during the Liberian civil crisis, a time when women and children faced violence, including rape and harassment.

Despite threats to their own security, the women lawyers of Liberia fought against impunity and worked tirelessly to protect human rights and advocate for justice under the rule of law.

It says rule of law in Liberia is compromised when legislation fails to guarantee victims’ right to justice and allows perpetrators to go unpunished.

“Additionally, if the Executive branch fails to take action against impunity and instead protects perpetrators from punishment, it undermines the rule of law,” AFELL President said in a statement.

AFELL emphasized that this conduct rewards criminals and denies justice to victims, which is in clear contradiction to Liberia’s constitution.

As an integral part of the Judiciary, AFELL expressed concern over President Joseph Boakai’s recent statement regarding inefficiencies and lack of public trust in the justice system.

The organization called on all lawyers, including judges, to adhere to professional standards and uphold the rule of law, citing the importance of protecting the legal profession.

AFELL declared its support for the establishment of the War and Economic Crime Court, aligning its stance with the Liberia National Bar Association. The organization vowed to continue its fight against impunity and uphold justice under the rule of law, standing firm against fear and threats.

In conclusion, AFELL says it remains dedicated to its mission of addressing impunity and advocating for justice in Liberia. The organization’s tireless efforts aim to protect human rights and ensure accountability for perpetrators of crimes.

The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has categorically condemned the recent mob violence against a lady accused of being a criminal in the commercial district of Redlight in Paynesville.

Recently, a lady identified as “Deddeh Simmonds” was cruelly flogged by angry marketers, mostly street sellers after she was accused by some unidentified individuals that she has stolen from them, but failed to specify what she stole from them.

In a statement delivered at the capacity building training for local government and community leaders over the weekend, the President of AFELL, Atty. Philomena Williams on behalf of her organization condemned the cruel act meted against the lady.

The AFELL boss said “During today’s sitting, we will use microscope justice using the case of a mother, Deddeh Simmonds who was stripped naked, severely beaten and sexually assaulted by mob men under the defense of mistaken identity.  We had by-standers, who are community members watching without stepping in to help. This is barbaric, cruel, and a vicious act of violence.”

“It is dangerous to take matters into your own hands because it leads to a cycle of revenge and retaliation. We cannot claim lack of confidence in law enforcement officers or argue that the state has failed to provide us security and resolve to use mob justice as a policing mechanism. You must strengthen the rule of law at the community level. We trust that you as local government and community leaders, will impact the people you lead to conduct themselves in straight adherence to the rule of law,” Atty. Williams added.

Meanwhile, Atty. Williams has announced that AFELL is determined to ensure that Deddeh Simmonds receives justice. “Accordingly, the Justice Minister, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean has asked AFELL to join the state to ensure that the perpetrators are accountable for their action. We are acting accordingly.”

She said “Moreover, whether the police are slow to act or we feel that the state has denied us security, let us prevent all forms of violence, especially mob violence and adhere to the rule of law. Let us say no to all forms of violence.”

“It’s an undisputed fact that Gender-based violence (GBV) against women remains a major concern in Liberia,” she said.

The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has made a clarion on President-elect, Joseph Nyuma Boakai to highlight and champion the cause of women in his first 100 days in office as president.

Atty. Philomena Williams, President of AFELL spoke Saturday December 9, 2023 in Ganta, Nimba County during the convention of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) on the theme: Maintaining the Peace -Post Elections Through Adherence to the Rule of Law.

The AFELL boss said they are optimistic by God’s grace that Liberia will remain peaceful and stable.  According to her, AFELL congratulates Joseph Nyumah Boakai for his election as the next President of Liberia, and we pray that he fosters good governance and uphold the rule of law.

However, Atty. Williams said they are concerned about issues of relevance to their advocacy.

“We listened to the President-elect interview prior to elections on his 100 days’ deliverables in office. Unfortunately, we did not hear anything on advancing gender equality, and protecting the rights of women and children,” she said.

She said “AFELL shall continue her advocacy to eradicate all forms of violence and speak up against issues that affects women and children without fear or favor and to maintain the peace.”

AFELL has meanwhile hailed President George Mannneh Weah, for gracefully conceding to defeat and accepting the results even before the final announcement by the National Elections Commission (NEC) following the runoff presidential elections.

“His action was timely and in adherence to the rule of law. His action was patriotic, historic, and geared at promoting and maintaining peace in adherence to the rule of law,” she added.

At the same time, AFELL has applauded the people of Liberia for the peaceful national presidential and legislative elections.

AFELL was recently certificated by the United Nations for its outstanding contributions to the fight against Gender Based Violence and dedication to the cause of women human rights defenders in Liberia.

The AFELL boss said “We are strengthened in our advocacy to champion the cause of women and children in Liberia. Thankfully, we are appreciated for our works by our partners and beneficiaries. AFELL seeks justice for survivors of violence and abuse and shall not be deterred by any unwarranted distraction.”

The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has held a training workshop for judges and magistrates in various courtrooms aimed at curtailing the prevalence of domestic violence to provide adequate justice for victims of abuse.

AFELL one day workshop seeked to have judges, magistrates, and other Judicial workers acquainted with the Domestic Violence Act and its full Implementation across every sector of the Liberian Society.

In an opening remark at the training workshop that took place on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Monrovia, AFELL’s president, Philomena Williams, said domestic Violence is prevalent in Liberia and the survivors live daily with the abuse because of lack of justice, predicated on the fact that the courts relied on rarely make application of the law for relief to the survivors, while perpetrators believe it is the norm. 

Atty. Williams asserted that the training is focused on building the capacity of judges and magistrates on dispensing justice when it comes to the Domestic Violence Act, with more sensitivity to the dynamics of abuse or violence.

Ahead of the impending October 10, 2023 legislative and presidential elections, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has assured its commitment to promote constitutional democracy

Speaking at the Law Day celebration organized by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) on Friday May 5, 2023 under the theme: “Episodes of Electoral Violence And Prospect for Constitutional Democracy in Liberia” , the President of AFELL, Atty. Philomena Williams said “consistent with the theme, Please be assured of AFELL’s commitment to promote constitutional democracy during this national election period to cast votes for president and members of the legislature.”

As part of its commitment, Atty. Williams disclosed that AFELL has embarked on a campaign to create awareness in communities, schools, mosques and churches, to prevent violence before, during, and after the pending national elections.

“The administration of AFELL wishes to thank our members who have volunteered their services and time to ensure this campaign achieve its intended purpose.  Mindful of our advocacy, and as we celebrate Law Day today, we wish to restate that AFELL was founded on the principle of a non-political and non-governmental organization. Unfortunately, contrary to the assertion made by the Government of Liberia in its April 6, 2023 statement, AFELL is compelled to remind the Government that over the years and to date, and based on record, we continue to provide voluntary legal assistance in favor of the Government of Liberia through  joining the State/Ministry of Justice in prosecuting rape cases, sexual and gender based violence cases, and other cases without a penny from the Government,” Atty.  Williams said in a statement read at the Law Day celebration in Monrovia.

The AFELL boss further said “Let it be known that no unwarranted statement against AFELL will deter our commitment of providing sacrificial services to the Government. Also, may the government not overlook the fact that AFELL has appreciated His Excellency, President George Manneh Weah through numerous statements for his inclusion of females in the Government. As we hail the appreciable actions of the President, we will not waver to speak out on issues of interest to the women and children in Liberia.”

“To this end, let us quote the letter to the Legislature AFELL was asked to reference.  “The bill includes several important sections, including the requirement that a political party’s list of candidates to the National Elections Commission (NEC) shall include no less than thirty present (30%) candidates from each gender. While I support, this section and others, there are sections/items in the bill that are either already addressed by existing constitutional provision; existing statute; or that are better addressed through the existing independent recruitment process of the NEC. Additionally, it is important to note that the Republic is about seven months away from the 2023 General Elections. Moreover certain changes in the Elections Law at a time so closed to the ECOWAS Protocol A/SP1/12/01 on Democracy and Good Governance six(6) months restriction would tend to send mix signals to the electorate and present the potential to cause delays in the elections process”.  AFELL notes that the bill was returned with the quoted objections raised: 1) Even though, I support this section, there are constitutional provisions and statues, which have already dealt with the matter and 2) Besides at this time, Liberia, a contracting party, wishes to remain in straight adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol. Ultimately, there is no need to change the Status Quo. Government’s statement fell short to state the status of the bill. If not vetoed, is it in process of being printed into handbill for use during the 2023 general elections? AFELL says, that any action that prevents the enactment of the law whether absolute or qualified is a veto. Finally, Mr. President, consistent with our Theme Episodes of Electoral Violence & Prospect for Constitutional Democracy in Liberia.”