Liberia Is Not Just a Man Thing: Transitional Justice Lessons for Women, Peace and Security

This report examines the role of women in the implementation of international peace and security instruments through a case study of transitional justice mechanisms in the Liberian context. The experiences of Liberian women have much to teach the world about women’s role in peacebuilding—not only were women strategic in influencing Liberia’s 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), but Liberia also boasts the first elected woman head of state on the African continent. Women’s groups who crafted the Golden Tulip Declaration of 2003 articulating women’s demands for peace made direct reference to Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325. While Liberian women have seen much progress in terms of their representation in the public realm, questions remain over how to utilise SCR 1325 to address the gross human rights violations committed during the country’s 14-year civil war. Between 1989 and 2003, some 250,000 Liberians were killed, up to one-third of the population was displaced, and as many as 75 percent of women and girls were subject to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).