MONROVIA — The Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), Madam Esther S. D. Eyeah David Yango, along with Deborah Foko of the United Disabled Women, has been elected by white ballot to serve on the Board of the Women’s Land Rights Task Force of Liberia (WLRTF).
By Patience M. Jones, patience.jones@frontpageafrica.com
Their election brings them onto a five-member Board tasked with guiding and strengthening the organization’s efforts in advancing and protecting women’s land rights across Liberia.
Speaking shortly after her election, Madam Yango expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her and reaffirmed WONGOSOL’s unwavering commitment to the cause.
“On behalf of WONGOSOL, I extend sincere thanks for the trust placed in me to serve on this Board. We remain committed to ensuring that women’s land rights remain a national priority through increased awareness, advocacy, and concrete actions,” she said.
Madam Yango highlighted the persistent challenges women face in accessing and owning land, particularly in rural communities, where cultural and structural barriers often deny women equal rights.
Recounting a field experience from WONGOSOL’s Women and Access to Information Project, she shared the story of a woman who had contributed financially to the purchase of family land but discovered that her name was excluded from the deed.
“After our engagement and awareness efforts, the woman requested the land deed from her husband. Although she could not read, her children helped review the document and confirmed that only her husband’s name was listed. With our support, she was able to advocate for herself, and eventually, her name was added to the deed,” Madam Yango narrated.
She emphasized that this case is just one of many, noting that numerous women across Liberia continue to face similar injustices.
“There are many such cases, and many women remain silent due to lack of awareness or support. Through our collective efforts, we can address these issues and empower women to claim their rightful ownership,” she added.
Madam Yango further stressed that land ownership is central to women’s empowerment, economic independence, and participation in decision-making processes.
“Women use land for farming, for livelihoods, and to sustain their families. Yet, when seeking financial support or loans, they are often asked for collateral, which many cannot provide due to lack of ownership. Ensuring women have land rights is essential to unlocking their full potential,” she noted.
She called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders, to promote gender equality in land ownership and usage.
WLRTF continues to champion the fight against poverty and social injustice by promoting women’s land rights as fundamental human rights.
WONGOSOL, in closing, extended gratitude to WLRTF and all stakeholders whose support made the election possible, while pledging to work diligently with fellow Board members to advance the rights and empowerment of women across Liberia.
