AFELL President, 1st Veep Get Re-elected At 23rd Nat’l Convention …Call For Collective Support To Strengthen Rule Of Law

By Precious D. Freeman
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has successfully concluded its 23rd National Convention with an election of a new corps of officials to steer the affairs of the Association for the next two years.
Cllrs Philomena Tugbe Williams and Bowoulo T. Kelly were re-elected as president 1st Vice president respectively while Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe was elected as 2nd Vice president, Cllr. Isabel B. Diggs as Treasurer, Cllr. Sundaiway Nelson Amegashie as Secretary General, and Cllr. Margaret Munah Nigba Gayedyu as Chaplain.
Several senior female lawyers were recognized for their relentless contributions to AFELL and the broader legal landscape of Liberia while lifetime achievement awards were presented to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Youh, Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, Associate Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, Former Associate Justice Felicia Coleman, Former Chief Justice Francis Johnson Allison, Cllr. Deweh Gray, Cllr. Elizabeth B. Nelson, and Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull.
For excellent leadership, AFELL honored Cllr. Sumo Izetta Wesley, Cllr. Teplah P. Reeves, Atty. Vivian Neil, and Cllr. Lois Lewis Brutus, among others, rounding off a convention filled with reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to justice and equality
Cllr. Williams who recounted the many achievements under her administration during her first term as president of AFELL used for her theme, “Together Let Us Rise Up to Strengthen the Rule of Law for Justice.”
President Williams highlighted the ongoing challenges of sexual and gender-based violence, the paramount custody of minor children post-divorce favoring husbands, and the persistence of harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
She reaffirmed AFELL’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and human rights in Liberia.
She made a passionate call to all stakeholders—including the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people—to join AFELL’s fight to strengthen the rule of law and ensure justice for all.
Cllr Williams lauded AFELL members for their pro-bono legal services provided to women, children, and indigent persons across Liberia, noting that their work continues to impact the lives of thousands.
She also encouraged the team of legal experts to remain vigilant in protecting the institution’s integrity.
“We must uphold at all times our core principles of independence, impartiality, and accountability,” she emphasized.
President Williams celebrated the mentorship program at AFELL’s Legal Aid Clinic where female law students are groomed under the supervision of experienced lawyers.
She expressed pride in the students’ ability to navigate the legal system effectively and appreciated their enthusiasm and dedication to the profession.
Madam Williams acknowledged the vital support of AFELL’s partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), for funding the Association’s strategic and human rights advocacy plans that now define AFELL’s five-year outlook.
She also praised the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), UN Women, and collaborating civil society organizations for their continuous support in combating gender-based violence and systemic inequality.
Special recognition was given to the Irish Embassy for providing training opportunities that have significantly enhanced AFELL’s knowledge base and strengthened the organization’s human rights advocacy efforts.
Providing an update on the Association’s activities, president Williams disclosed that from 2022 to 2024, AFELL provided legal services to over 5,000 beneficiaries, conducted over 1,265 meditations, and handled more than 532 court cases ranging from rape and sexual violence to domestic abuse, custody battles, property disputes, and divorce proceedings.
The organization conducted over 360 training sessions and engaged in more than 2,843 advocacy and civic education programs.
The well-organized and colorful event took place at the Banquet Hall of the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill, bringing together seasoned, renowned, and experienced female lawyers, including current and former movers and shakers of the Judiciary, especially Chief Justice Youh,international and local partners, ambassadors, the Liberia National Bar Association, OHCRH, UN Women, among others