WASHINGTON, D.C. The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Women in the United States of America have issued a sharp rebuke of the Liberty Party Women, labeling their recent condemnation of alleged defamation against Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence as “hypocritical” and “elitist.”
The fiery response, released today, questions the moral authority of the Liberty Party women, asking where their voices were when other prominent Liberian women, particularly those aligned with the opposition, faced public attacks. “We uphold every woman’s right to respect and dignity in public discourse,” the statement began, “but we are compelled to call out the glaring hypocrisy, double standards, and selective outrage displayed by our sisters in the Liberty Party.”
The CDC Women’s statement pointedly listed several cases where they claim the Liberty Party women remained silent. They asked: “Where were these same Liberty Party women when Madam Clar Weah, wife of former President George Manneh Weah, was relentlessly insulted, ridiculed, and demeaned in public spaces for years — simply because of her marriage and humility?”
“Where were they when Liberia’s first female Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was subjected to waves of verbal abuse, public humiliation, and misogynistic attacks?” “Where were their voices when Madam Paulita Wie, a proud CDC woman and Montserrado senatorial candidate, was bullied, disrespected, and insulted simply because she stood under the CDC banner?”
The group also cited the treatment of former NOCAL CEO Safuah Mai Gray, “a brilliant female lawyer,” who they say was subjected to derogatory names solely for her CDC affiliation. The statement crystallized its argument with a damning summary: “Silence then — outrage now. That is the Liberty Party women’s brand of feminism: elitist, partisan, and convenient.”
It argued that respect for women should not be conditional on “party colors, surnames, or social circles,” and rejected what it termed a “culture of selective empathy.”
The CDC Women defended their own party’s record, stating, “The CDC has consistently championed women’s inclusion, empowerment, and leadership — not in words but in action,” citing the elevation of women to positions like the Vice Presidency and various ministerial roles. They expressed disappointment that the Liberty Party women had “chosen to weaponize gender solidarity for political theatre,” a move they believe weakens the collective credibility of all women in public life. The group concluded by calling for a consistent and non-partisan defense of all women.
“Let us be clear: insults are wrong — no matter who they target. But moral consistency matters,” the statement read. “If you didn’t defend Clar Weah, Jewel Howard-Taylor, or Paulita Wie when they were attacked, you have forfeited the moral right to lecture the nation about respect and decency today.”
They urged all Liberian women to “rise above partisan bias and speak with one voice when any woman is insulted, degraded, or unfairly treated,” asserting that “dignity is not a party privilege — it is a woman’s right.” The statement was signed by Dr. Elizabeth Gaye Kamara and Proph. Dr. Marie Scott Wilson on behalf of the CDC Women in the United States.
