In Nimba's Senate Race, Edith Gongloe-Weh Makes Fourth Bid to Break Gender Barrier

 

By Uriah Suah, Nimba Fellow  

Nimba, Liberia — In the rolling hills of Nimba County, where traditional beliefs still hold sway and political power has long been a male domain, Edith Gongloe-Weh is making history yet again as the only woman among seven candidates seeking to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of former rebel leader Prince Johnson.

"I believe that I have a lot to offer in terms of my vision to make Nimba stand tall at the national level in the Senate," Gongloe-Weh said in an interview with Stage Media Liberia. A journalist, teacher, and social worker by training, Weh is no stranger to the political landscape of Nimba, having served as the county's superintendent during Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration.

This marks her fourth attempt to secure a Senate seat in a county that has never elected a woman to its legislative delegation.

The bi-election follows the death of Mr. Johnson, a controversial figure who transformed from a rebel commander during Liberia's civil war to an enduring political force and has held his Senate seat since 2014. His passing has created both a vacuum and an opportunity in one of Liberia's most resource-rich and politically significant counties.

"Senator Johnson just marked the end of an era," Madam Gongloe-Weh acknowledged, noting that his legacy as someone who "fought for the liberation of the people of Nimba" cannot be replicated.

Instead, she is offering a vision centered on ensuring Nimba receives equitable returns from its abundant natural resources. "Nimba gives so much to the government of Liberia in terms of resources, both human and financial," she said. "Therefore, Nimba expects just as much as it gives to the government."

Her platform focuses on educational access, particularly a proposal to establish a branch of Nimba University in Lower Nimba, styled as a University of Health Sciences. She also advocates for the Jackson F. Doe Hospital to receive autonomous status to better manage its budget and provide critical healthcare services.

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has publicly endorsed Madam Gongloe-Weh, joining a pro-Gongloe-Weh rally in Monrovia. "I stand with the women of Liberia to support women's candidates in the legislature," Madam Sirleaf declared. "Other countries are moving forward to give women their rightful place. Anyone who stops us is stopping progress in the world."

Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has also thrown her support behind the candidate, urging National Patriotic Party supporters to vote for Madam Gongloe-Weh, saying, "Her success will advance the country and promote inclusive leadership."

Women's rights advocates have rallied behind the campaign with a movement called #SheDeservesASeat, highlighting the fact that women make up only 10.7 percent of Liberia's national legislature. Feminist advocate Mmonbeydo Joah has condemned the harassment Weh has faced during her campaign, including "online abuse and physical attacks."

The broader significance of Weh's candidacy was articulated by Charlyn Brumskine, founder of CMB Law Group, who addressed male critics: "None of us here will benefit personally if Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh wins this election... But I'm going to tell you why we are supporting her. We are doing it for our sons, our husbands, before we even talk about our daughters."

Cllr. Brumskine pointed to countries across Africa where women have had significant leadership roles: "Some of the most well-led countries, the richest countries, the countries with the best government structures, are countries where women are leading or women have equal say as men."

In a county deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and historically resistant to female political leadership, the upcoming by-election represents more than just a contest for a vacant seat. It stands as a test of whether Nimba—and by extension, Liberia—is ready to  embrace more inclusive representation in its highest legislative bodies.

As the campaign unfolds, Madam Gongloe-Weh remains steadfast in her commitment to unity: "I want to act in ways that unify the county, not just talk about unity," she said, emphasizing her plan to ensure that opportunities are distributed equitably across all nine districts of Nimba.

Whether her fourth attempt will finally break the gender barrier in Nimba's all-male caucus remains to be seen when voters go to the polls on April 22, 2025.

Read more here
Garrison Yealue