By Grace Q. Bryant
Grand Gedeh County District 2 Representative, Marie Johnson, has called for greater support, unity, and action among women in Liberia, urging them to step forward and claim their rightful place in leadership and decision-making roles.
The event, held under the national theme “Accelerate Action,” brought together female members of the House of Representatives to commemorate International Women’s Day at the Capitol Building on March 6, 2025.
In her address, Johnson highlighted the challenges women face in politics and other sectors, dismissing the notion that they merely “play the female card” or complain unnecessarily.
She emphasized the resilience required to navigate societal barriers while balancing responsibilities at home and in public life.
“If you can raise your children, support your siblings, and manage all that life throws at you, then you can overcome anything. Giving up is not an option. Stand tall—let no man intimidate you or make you feel like he is more capable than you,” she urged.
Johnson acknowledged the ongoing struggle for women’s political representation, noting that despite Liberia electing Africa’s first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, women remain underrepresented in leadership.
“By now, we should have at least 40% of women in power, but that is not the case. However, everything takes time. We must stand together as women and support one another,” she emphasized.
She called on women to actively uplift each other instead of giving in to division or intimidation.
“If a capable woman steps forward, support her. If someone is looking for a strong woman in your community, point them in the right direction. We must learn to shine together and lift each other up,” she encouraged.
Johnson further emphasized the need for continued advocacy, legislative reforms, and cultural shifts to empower Liberian women.
“We are not just marking a date on the calendar-we are building a movement. Let’s accelerate action and create a future where no woman is left behind,” she affirmed.
The event also featured remarks from Moriah Fyneh, Head of the Secretariat of the Women’s Legislative Caucus, who stressed the importance of legislative measures in advancing women’s rights and representation. While acknowledging Liberia’s history of female leadership, she underscored the need to strengthen legal frameworks for lasting progress.
“We need laws to ensure progress. We talk about 30% representation, yet many women remain marginalized. Women make up 49% of Liberia’s population-if we rally together, we can bring real change,”Fyneh stated.
She hinted at an upcoming legislative effort aimed at strengthening women’s rights and representation, urging collective support.
“Something big is coming, and we will need every one of you. When the bill reaches the Legislature, we must stand united. If we succeed, the world will look to us as an example,” she declared.
Wokie Dolo Kamara, Gender & Social Inclusion Advisor to the Majority Bloc Speaker, echoed the event’s theme, emphasizing the urgency of addressing gender disparities.
“This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ means don’t wait-step up and make things happen. Whatever you want to achieve, fight for it. We organized this event in less than a week, proving that when women come together with determination, nothing is impossible,” Kamara said.
She also called for concrete steps to bridge gender gaps and create equal opportunities for women. “We have 73 lawmakers-how many of them are women? Gender equality must go beyond words; it must be backed by action. Women face challenges in every sector, but today, we celebrate our resilience and demand progress.”
Kamara urged those in leadership to take tangible steps toward gender equality. “Honorable Chair, we don’t just want you to believe in gender equality-we want you to take action! If women make up nearly half of the population, why should we still be underrepresented? The time for change is now.”
The International Women’s Day event at the Capitol Building served as a rallying point for women across Liberia, reinforcing the message that unity and action are key to achieving gender equality.