Africa-Press – Liberia. The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has successfully concluded its 23rd National Convention with the election of a new corps of officials to lead the organization for the next term.
The well-organized and colorful event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill, brought together distinguished female lawyers — past and present — including Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh, a former vice president of AFELL.
Speaking at the opening of the convention, Chief Justice Youh urged members of AFELL to match their words with action, emphasizing that officials must play their individual and collective roles effectively to strengthen the Association.
“Avoid complacency and work in accordance with the goals and objectives of AFELL,” she stressed.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by women and children in Liberia, Chief Justice Youh called on AFELL to maintain its advocacy and awareness efforts to drive meaningful change.
“Let’s maintain trust in what we say and do — this is essential for our sector and for our country,” she added.
In a firm warning, the Chief Justice also cautioned against individuals who falsely present themselves as lawyers.
“If you are not a lawyer, shut up and stop acting like you know it all,” she stated bluntly.
Meanwhile, AFELL President Cllr. Philomena T. Williams, addressing the convention, highlighted her administration’s achievements during the period under review. Speaking under the theme: “Together, Let Us Rise Up to Strengthen the Rule of Law for Justice,” she pointed to ongoing issues such as the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, disputes over child custody following divorce, and harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
She reaffirmed her commitment to AFELL’s mission to promote peace, security, and human rights in Liberia. Cllr. Williams also called on the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government, civil society organizations, and the Liberian people to join AFELL’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
Additionally, she hailed AFELL members for providing pro-bono legal services to women, children, and indigent persons across Liberia — noting that their work continues to impact thousands of lives.
“We must uphold at all times our core principles of independence, impartiality, and accountability to maintain the trust and confidence of our beneficiaries seeking justice,” she said.
Cllr. Williams also praised the ongoing mentorship of female law students through AFELL’s Legal Aid Clinic, describing it as an investment in the future of the legal profession.
Acknowledging the organization’s partners, she expressed gratitude to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for funding AFELL’s strategic plan and human rights advocacy initiatives. She also thanked the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), the Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), UN Women, and various civil society organizations for their support in combating gender-based violence and systemic inequality.
Special thanks were extended to the Irish Embassy for providing training opportunities that have significantly enhanced the organization’s human rights work.
Providing updates, Cllr. Williams reported that between 2022 and 2024, AFELL provided legal services to over 5,000 beneficiaries, mediated more than 1,265 cases, and handled over 532 court cases, including those related to rape, domestic violence, custody, property disputes, and divorce.
The organization also conducted more than 360 training sessions for judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, local leaders, and traditional women on the Domestic Violence Act and human rights law. Furthermore, it carried out over 2,843 civic education and advocacy activities in schools, churches, communities, and marketplaces.
The convention ended with the re-election of Cllr. Philomena T. Williams as President. Other officials elected were Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor-Kelly as First Vice President, Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe as Second Vice President, Cllr. Isabel B. Diggs as Treasurer, Cllr. Sundaiway Nelson Amegashie as Secretary General, and Cllr. Tonieh Talery Wiles as Chaplain.
In a special ceremony, AFELL honored several senior female lawyers for their outstanding contributions over the years. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh, Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, Associate Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton-Johnson, former Associate Justice Felicia Coleman, former Chief Justice Frances Johnson-Allison, Cllr. Deweh Gray, Cllr. Elizabeth B. Nelson, and Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull.
For excellent leadership, awards were also given to Cllr. Sumo Izetta Wesley, Cllr. Teplah P. Reeves, Atty. Vivian Neal, and Cllr. Lois Lewis Brutus, among others.
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