MONROVIA – The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) has successfully concluded its 23rd National Convention, reelecting key officials for a new term while recognizing prominent women in the legal profession.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall of the Temple of Justice, attracted a distinguished group of female legal professionals, judiciary leaders, and key figures in Liberia’s legal community, including Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh.
In her keynote address, Chief Justice Yuoh urged legal practitioners to ensure their actions match their words. She stressed the importance of each member contributing effectively to AFELL’s mission, advocating for a proactive approach to legal issues affecting women and children. “AFELL must continue its advocacy and awareness efforts to drive meaningful change,” she stated, calling for continued trust and integrity within the legal profession. She also took the opportunity to caution against individuals misrepresenting themselves as legal professionals, saying, “If you are not a lawyer, stop acting like one.”
Cllr. Philomena T. Williams, President of AFELL, reviewed the organization’s accomplishments during her previous term, highlighting ongoing challenges such as sexual and gender-based violence, custody issues post-divorce, and harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM). She reaffirmed AFELL’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights in Liberia and called on all sectors of society to collaborate in strengthening the rule of law.
Cllr. Williams also acknowledged AFELL’s continued efforts in providing legal aid to marginalized communities, especially women and children. She encouraged the legal community to maintain the organization’s core principles of independence, impartiality, and accountability.
The convention also highlighted AFELL’s significant role in mentoring the next generation of female legal professionals through its Legal Aid Clinic, where law students receive practical experience under the guidance of experienced attorneys.
In addition, Cllr. Williams expressed gratitude to key partners, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), and UN Women, for their support in advancing AFELL’s advocacy on gender-based violence and human rights issues.
During the period from 2022 to 2024, AFELL provided legal services to over 5,000 individuals, handled more than 1,265 mediations, and processed over 530 court cases involving issues such as rape, domestic violence, and custody disputes. The association also conducted extensive training for judicial officers and community leaders, reaching more than 360 individuals across Liberia.
The convention concluded with the reelection of Cllr. Philomena T. Williams as President, along with the reelection of key officials, including Cllr. Bouwoulo T. Kelly as First Vice President and Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe as Second Vice President. Other newly elected members include Cllr. Sundaiway Nelson Amegashie as Secretary General and Cllr. Margaret Munah Nigba Gayedyu as Chaplain.
AFELL also honored senior legal figures for their exemplary contributions to the association and the legal profession, presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, Associate Justices Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie and Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, former Associate Justice Felicia Coleman, and former Chief Justice Francis Johnson-Allison, among others.
Awards for leadership excellence were also given to Cllr. Sumo Izetta Wesley, Cllr. Teplah P. Reeves, Atty. Vivian Neal, and Cllr. Lois Lewis Brutus.
