The House of Representatives Committee on Elections and Inauguration, headed by Hon. Prof. Thomas Romeo Quioh, has embarked on a legislative study tour to Rwanda and Kenya in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC). The delegation is visiting the two countries to examine how women have achieved significant parliamentary representation through legislative reforms and affirmative action policies. The primary objective of the visit is to study systems and processes in Rwanda and Kenya with the aim of adapting successful strategies to the Liberian context, particularly in light of the upcoming threshold setting that precedes electoral boundary delimitation.
During the visit, the delegation is expected to explore how both countries have implemented affirmative action measures to enhance womenโs political participation and representation. According House Press Director Robert Haynes expected outcomes of the visit will include:
1. Acquire practical knowledge of Rwanda and Kenyaโs approaches to increasing womenโs representation in parliament.
2. Develop actionable recommendations for the Legislature and NEC on strengthening affirmative action measures for women in Liberian parliamentary elections.
3. Formulate proposals for the introduction of gender quotas or other mechanisms within the Liberian legislative process.
4. Strengthen international cooperation between Liberia, Rwanda, and Kenya, paving the way for future exchange programs and collaborative efforts to promote gender equality in politics across Africa.
The Liberian delegation includes: โข Hon. Thomas Romeo Quioh, Head of Delegation โข Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Chairperson on Gender Committee โข Hon. Momo Siafia Kpoto - Member โข Hon. Thomas A. Goshua - Member โข Hon. Rugie Barrie - Member โข Amb. Robert Benjamin Haynes, Director of Press and Public Affairs - Member โข Cllr. Alvin Teage Jalloh, Legal Counsel, National Elections Commission - Members
