By Emery Z Watson
Monrovia, Liberia – June 25, 2025: InfoQuest Liberia has officially released its First Quarter Report on Gender-Sensitive Legislative Monitoring, covering legislative activities in the House of Representatives from January to March 2025. The report marks a key milestone in the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and legislative accountability across the country.
With support from the Embassy of Ireland, InfoQuest has been actively monitoring legislative sessions through a gender-sensitive lens. During the reporting period, the organization formalized partnerships with critical actors within the National Legislature, including the Office of the Speaker and several committee chairpersons. A trained, gender-balanced monitoring team was granted access to plenary sessions, enabling real-time tracking of gender dynamics, participation, and representation in legislative debates.
One of the major highlights of the quarter is the upcoming public launch of InfoQuest’s newly developed digital platform. Set to go live later in June, the platform will offer real-time legislative tracking, bill analysis, and gender-disaggregated data for use by civil society, policymakers, and the public.
However, the report also points to ongoing gender disparities within the legislature. Women continue to be underrepresented not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of influence and participation. In contrast, women-led civil society organizations have shown strong advocacy, particularly during public hearings on issues such as environmental justice and government accountability.
As part of its monitoring efforts, InfoQuest conducted gender-focused analyses on six key legislative proposals currently under review by the House of Representatives An Act to Establish the Liberia Institute of Sign Language Concern: The bill does not consider integration with existing education systems or address the intersection of gender and disability.
Recommendation: Integrate the institute within an established tertiary institution, such as the University of Liberia, to enhance access for girls and women with hearing impairments, An Act to Establish the Ministry of Local Government
Concern: Though the act mentions gender mainstreaming, it lacks clear mechanisms for implementation or accountability.
Recommendation: Collaborate with county-level civil society organizations and the Ministry of Gender to develop gender equity indicators for local governance, and an Act to Amend Section 5 of the National Investment Commission Act
Concern: The proposed amendment fails to include provisions supporting women- and disability-owned businesses.
Recommendation: Introduce inclusive procurement strategies aligned with national economic goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), An Act to Repeal the Bomi Community College Act and Establish the Western Region University Concern: The bill overlooks policies to enhance women’s access to higher education, particularly in STEM and leadership roles. Recommendation: Include gender equity measures in the university charter, such as scholarships for female students and gender-sensitive governance, and an Act to Standardize Salaries and Benefits in Public Universities and Colleges Concern: While appearing gender-neutral, the bill fails to address pay gaps and workplace discrimination. Recommendation: Conduct gender equity audits and implement non-discriminatory hiring and maternity leave policies.
InfoQuest urged lawmakers to integrate the proposed Sign Language Institute within existing educational frameworks to prevent marginalization of learners with disabilities. The organization also called for the establishment of a salary cap for public officials and the inclusion of gender-responsive measures in all legislative proposals to ensure no demographic group is excluded.
Despite facing limited access to committee sessions and political tensions within the legislature, InfoQuest remains committed to fostering transparency through evidence-based monitoring and collaboration.
The organization expressed deep appreciation to the Embassy of Ireland for its steadfast support and dedication to promoting gender equity and democratic governance in Liberia.
“Inclusive governance is not a distant goal, it is the foundation for Liberia’s democratic progress and lasting peace,” InfoQuest concluded. The organization called on all stakeholders, government institutions, civil society, development partners, and the public to join in the collective effort to build a more just and equitable Liberia.
