A significant majority of Liberians believe the country’s police and judiciary must intensify efforts to protect women and girls from discrimination and harassment, according to new survey findings released by Afrobarometer.
The report, based on interviews with 1,200 adult citizens conducted between July 30 and August 21, 2024, highlighted persistent gender inequalities in education, employment, and public safety. Conducted by the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG), Afrobarometer’s national partner in Liberia, the survey revealed stark public concern over the state of women’s rights.
According to the findings, more than one-third (36%) of citizens reported that women “often” or “always” experience sexual harassment in public spaces, including markets, streets, and public transport. The perception of such frequent harassment has fueled calls for institutional reforms.
An overwhelming 81% of respondents said the police and courts need to do more to shield women and girls from abuse and discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
“These results reflect a deep public desire for greater justice and equality for Liberian women,” the report revealed. “It also signals a pressing need for policy action to address both legal enforcement and cultural attitudes.”
The survey also sheds light on the gender gap in education. Only 42% of women have attained a secondary education, compared to 50% of men. The disparity continues at the tertiary level, with just 17% of women having post-secondary education versus 22% of men.
When it comes to employment, the report identified two major barriers hindering women’s advancement: lack of necessary education or skills and a prevailing employer bias favoring male hires.
These challenges, respondents say, continued to undermine women’s participation in the workforce.
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan research network that has been tracking public attitudes on democracy, governance, and economic conditions across the continent since 1999.
This is the seventh time the survey has been conducted in Liberia.
As discussions around gender equity continue to gain momentum, observers said these findings could provide a valuable roadmap for national policymakers, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations working to advance women’s rights in Liberia.
