In a poignant address at the Capitol, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf highlighted the alarmingly low representation of women in the nation's Legislature, where only 11 out of 103 seats are occupied by women. Sirleaf expressed that this underrepresentation is not only an embarrassment but also a significant impediment to Liberia's progress in development and peacebuilding. She urged that the government and society must take a serious look at the structures that enable this disparity and work towards rectifying them.

Advocates and supporters of gender equity echoed Sirleaf's sentiments, emphasizing that the low number of women in leadership roles signifies hesitance among male lawmakers to accommodate women's participation and view them as equals in governance. According to these advocates, to foster gender equity effectively, there must be intentional efforts to create more opportunities for women in leadership, which will pave the path for more equitable political engagement and outcomes in the future.

Sirleaf’s call to action serves as a reminder of the crucial role women played in Liberia's journey towards peace, showcasing that their contributions should translate into meaningful representation in the political sphere. This conversation around gender equity and representation is critical as Liberia aims to strengthen its governance framework and improve societal structures that benefit all citizens equitably, especially in positioning women more prominently in decision-making processes.