Liberia

Liberia’s lawmakers are facing renewed pressure to pass comprehensive legislation outlawing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a coalition of human rights organizations intensifies its advocacy efforts. The National Coalition Against Harmful Practices (NACAPH), representing over 17 groups, recently presented its case to the Joint Committee on Gender, Judiciary and Internal Affairs, urging a shift from temporary restrictions to a permanent statutory ban.

“We are concerned about the resurgence of FGM activities despite previous moratoriums,” coalition representatives told lawmakers, according to a statement released following the meeting. “Liberia must move beyond temporary measures and adopt a binding national law.”

FGM in Liberia is deeply rooted in traditional practices, particularly those associated with the Sande society, a secretive women’s organization prevalent in many counties. While proponents view the practice as a cultural rite of passage marking a girl’s transition into womanhood, rights advocates and medical professionals condemn it as a severe violation of bodily integrity with lasting physical and psychological consequences. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 38 percent of Liberian women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM.

Liberia has previously relied on executive moratoriums to temporarily halt FGM, most notably under former President George Weah. However, these measures lacked the permanence of legislation, resulting in inconsistent enforcement. In September 2025, President Joseph Boakai signaled a commitment to change, announcing at the United Nations General Assembly that Liberia would transition to a permanent national law banning FGM and other harmful practices.

The proposed legislation, “An Act to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices in Liberia,” was submitted to the Legislature in October 2025. It seeks to prohibit not only FGM but also child marriage and related harmful practices, outlining penalties for violators and establishing support systems for victims. Deputy Minister for Gender Laura Golakeh has publicly reaffirmed the Executive branch’s support for the bill, urging the House of Representatives to ratify it.

However, the bill has encountered resistance within the Legislature. Some lawmakers have expressed concerns about cultural sensitivity and potential backlash in rural communities where traditional leaders wield considerable influence. Representative Richard Koon has called for greater involvement of lawmakers in community engagement efforts, arguing that they must be “part of the conversation in our districts” to ensure legislative ownership of any outreach campaign.

NACAPH has launched a “bus campaign” to engage citizens in five of Liberia’s 15 counties, supported by funding from Sweden, Ireland, Great Britain, and UN Women. The campaign aims to gather community perspectives while advocating for the abolition of FGM. Coalition members emphasize that their efforts extend beyond criminalization, calling for the release of women and girls currently subjected to FGM, stronger enforcement against perpetrators, alternative livelihood programs for traditional practitioners, and community education to shift social norms. “We cannot criminalize without educating,” a coalition representative stated. “Sustainable change requires dialogue with communities.”

The debate over FGM presents Liberia with a complex governance challenge—balancing cultural tradition with constitutional rights and international human rights obligations. Previous moratoriums, while demonstrating political will, exposed weaknesses in enforcement. A permanent statutory ban would provide a clear legal basis for prosecution, strengthen Liberia’s compliance with international treaties, and signal a stronger commitment to gender equity.

Experts caution that legislation alone may not be sufficient to eliminate the practice, as deeply ingrained cultural norms could drive FGM underground if enforcement is perceived as externally imposed or culturally insensitive. They suggest that the law must be accompanied by community-based alternative rites of passage, economic support for traditional leaders, public awareness campaigns led by respected local figures, and protection mechanisms for whistleblowers and victims.

Liberia’s renewed push aligns with broader regional efforts across West Africa to end FGM, though countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea have faced similar challenges in enforcing existing legal bans. International partners, including the European Union and United Nations agencies, have increased funding for anti-FGM initiatives, recognizing them as central to gender equality and sustainable development goals.

The outcome of the Women and Girls Protection Act will have significant implications for Liberia’s human rights credibility, public health outcomes, international standing, and the relationship between traditional authority and state law. NACAPH emphasized to lawmakers that Liberia must choose between protecting tradition at the expense of girls’ rights or protecting girls while respectfully transforming tradition. The bill remains under consideration by the House of Representatives, with no firm timeline for a vote established.