Women's rights activists in Liberia welcomed a new law creating parliamentary seats reserved for women, young people and people with disabilities, in a country where women are poorly represented in politics despite having a female leader.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard has warned women going into politics to expect rape threats as part of a blunt assessment of the hurdles facing female politicians.

Party leader tells committee he backs all-female shortlists and is determined to have 50/50 representation by next election.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance