Hon. Ellen Attoh Wreh has intensified efforts to advance women’s political representation, accelerate development in District #3, and strengthen governance in Margibi County and across Liberia.
Speaking on women’s participation in politics, Hon. Wreh disclosed that in December last year she joined members of the National Elections Commission on a study visit to Rwanda. The delegation examined systems and procedures designed to increase women’s representation in Parliament, particularly models that could be adapted in Liberia in line with constitutional provisions for additional seats following a national census.
She further revealed that another delegation traveled to Guinea to engage female lawmakers and explore the establishment of a Women Parliamentarians Caucus within the Legislature. According to her, Guinea currently maintains about 31 percent female representation in Parliament and is taking steps to expand that figure following recent elections. She noted similar gains in Senegal and neighboring countries, where women’s political participation, once minimal, is steadily improving.
Hon. Wreh acknowledged persistent barriers confronting women in politics, including financial limitations, entrenched stereotypes, and intense public scrutiny. She emphasized the need for mentorship initiatives to prepare young women and girls for leadership, stressing that sustainable democracy depends on consistent female representation. She observed that the current number of women in Liberia’s Legislature remains low and called for stronger collaboration and strategic advocacy to close the gap.
Addressing criticism frequently directed at female leaders, she noted that women are often judged by higher standards shaped by longstanding societal perceptions. She urged women in leadership to remain resilient, focused, and committed to excellence, underscoring that competence and qualification are the bedrock of effective leadership.
Turning to development in District #3, Hon. Wreh highlighted interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security. At 26 Gate, her office supported Rev. W.K Moore Public School with additional classrooms and approximately 75 armchairs to improve the learning environment.
In the health sector, she outlined sustained support to clinics serving residents of the Firestone Plantation area who lack access to company hospital services. Her office continues to organize medical outreach programs and supply health centers within and beyond District #3, reinforcing the position that access to healthcare should not be restricted by geography.
On infrastructure, she reported engagement with relevant authorities that resulted in the rehabilitation of the road from 26 Gate, easing transportation challenges. In Pelican Town, work is ongoing to refurbish a bus stop to assist commercial motorbike riders who depend on the trade for their livelihoods.
She also detailed a maternal health initiative that provides delivery packages to pregnant women who previously avoided hospital births due to the cost of required supplies. The program includes training for traditional midwives, promoting hospital deliveries, and assisting with medical expenses. The intervention has contributed to a rise in hospital births and improved maternal health outcomes.
Hon. Wreh pointed to the impact of her women’s empowerment program, which has enabled beneficiaries to launch small businesses and support their families. Although the initiative was briefly suspended due to funding constraints, it has resumed and recently served 121 beneficiaries in Mambahn. The program now rotates among communities to ensure wider access.
On scholarship reforms, she acknowledged that earlier implementation gaps led to financial losses due to weak monitoring. The revised system now requires students to complete registration before payments are made directly to their respective schools. Beneficiaries are monitored to ensure academic performance and accountability.
In the area of security, she reported the rehabilitation and furnishing of a police station in Juan Community in collaboration with the Liberia National Police. The intervention has reportedly reduced crime and strengthened safety for residents, especially market women.
Hon. Wreh emphasized her open-door leadership approach, noting that young people from various districts frequently engage her on issues affecting their communities. She described leadership as service and maintained that while her primary mandate is District #3, her commitment extends to supporting Liberians wherever possible.
On political unity, she stressed that while competition is inevitable during elections, effective governance demands cooperation. She called for collaboration across political lines to advance the broader development of Margibi County and Liberia.
Hon. Ellen Attoh Wreh reaffirmed that expanding women’s political participation remains critical to democratic growth. She called for sustained mentorship, stronger institutions, improved education and healthcare systems, enhanced security, economic empowerment for women, and unwavering accountability in government
