By Bill W. Cooper
In a bid to ensure peaceful and inclusive elections, a cross-section of Liberian women has released a powerful manifesto, calling on both citizens and aspiring leaders to refrain from violence, during and after the October 10 general elections.
Championing the cause for harmonious democratic transition, the women are unifying their voices and appealing for a tranquil electoral process that reflects the true spirit of democracy.
The manifesto, which also seeks to prevent the recurrence of violence and its devastating consequences, was released yesterday, August 17, 2023, at the close of the Liberian Women’s Peace Summit towards a peaceful 2023 elections.
The summit was organized by the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA), in collaboration with the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, including MADRE and the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF).
The week-long meeting, which brought together several prominent Liberian women, including women aspiring for representative and senatorial posts, and international partners, was intended to provide a cross-segment of Liberian women the space to consult, reflect, and strategize pathways in ensuring peaceful elections in 2023.
Reading the manifesto on behalf of the women, the founder and president of the GBFA, Leymah R. Gbowee, called on Liberians to unite, as was done twenty years ago, to make war and violence implausible.
She also called on all citizens and participants in the country’s political process to shun violence in all shapes and forms, as well as respect the dignity and life of every person within the borders of Liberia.
This, Madam Gbowee disclosed, that the women of Liberia have also committed themselves to working for non-violent engagement as the only means to resolve conflicts arising, during and after the country’s elections.
She maintained, “We also commit to ensuring that the human rights of every person participating in elections will be respected and upheld. And we declare all women and people differently abled, have the right to run for political office, and to as well participate in all aspects of the political process, without harm or threat of violence.”
According to Madam Gbowee, they will work to respect and defend the rights of every person to express their views and align with any political group they desire without fear or intimidation.
She also stated that they expect the National Elections Commission (NEC) and political parties to ensure compliance to the principles of free, fair, and peaceful democratic elections, come October 10 and beyond.
The GPFA Founder and President further called upon the NEC and political parties to also abide by the UN Economic and Social Council Resolution 1990/15, which calls for 30% women in all leadership processes.
She asserted, “And we the women of Liberia also expect political parties to abide by and promote amongst their partisans, the edicts of the Farmington Declaration and the Violence against Women in Elections and Politics (VAWIE/P) Protocol.”
Madam Gbowee also called for the timely and robust prosecution of perpetrators of violence against women in politics and elections, ensuring women’s speedy access to justice.
This, she stressed, “We are resolved to use our voices to amplify and disseminate the messages of peace via the media, social media, and all public spaces, including schools and places of worship across Liberia.”
“We must remember our past and work with all our might and take ownership and accountability to sustain the peace, as our children and the future of Liberia lie in our hands.
We recognize that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of conditions that dignify all. Hence, we are committed to imbibing the culture of peace amongst all Liberians, whilst promoting reconciliation within the borders of Liberia and in the diaspora, and this we believe will contribute to sustainable development and improve the life of all,” Madam Gbowee added.
In remarks following the signing of the document, the political officer at the U.S Embassy in Monrovia, Juan D. Martinez, thanked Madam Gbowee and team for the gathering, which he described as timely and welcoming for the sustainability of Liberia’s fragile peace.
This, he maintained, “I am glad today that Liberians, precisely the women, have seen the devastating effects of violence on this beloved nation in the past.”
“We from the U.S Embassy in Monrovia, as well as all Liberians, cannot afford to repeat those mistakes and jeopardize the progress we have made as a nation, since the country’s 14 years of civil conflict,” Mr. Martinez noted.
The U.S Embassy political officer furthered, “So, our plea is for all Liberians, especially to those aspiring for leadership positions, to prioritize peace and stability above all else.”
He then urged all Liberians, including political parties and independent candidates, to use the electoral process to demonstrate their commitment to democracy and the well-being of every citizen, and at the same time, pledged the U.S Government’s fullest support towards a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections in October.
As the nation braces itself for the upcoming elections, the Liberian Women’s Manifesto for Peace serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the dreams and aspirations of the Liberian people.
By adhering to the principles set forth by the women’s groups, citizens and aspiring leaders can inspire to a new chapter of peace, prosperity, and progress for Liberia.
