By Laurina B. Lormia
President Joseph Boakai has pledged his administration’s commitment to supporting the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Presidential Center for Women and Development, emphasizing Liberia’s pride in being the first African nation to elect a female president.
The event, which coincided with International Women’s Day and was held over the weekend in Monrovia, brought together former presidents, dignitaries, global advocates, civil society organizations, and supporters of women’s leadership.
The gathering aimed to support, uplift, and equip women leaders who continue to break barriers in governance and public service.
Speaking at the Center’s fifth-anniversary celebration, President Boakai highlighted the global recognition Liberia has received for advancing women’s leadership, calling it an honor for both the nation and the continent.
“The world often wonders how Liberia will be remembered for honoring womanhood. By electing Africa’s first female president, we have set a precedent. As Liberians, we remain committed to ensuring this legacy is preserved,” Boakai stated.
President Boakai praised former President Sirleaf’s dedication to women’s empowerment, noting that many young women she mentored are now playing key roles in government. He assured that his administration would fully support the EJS Center’s initiatives, viewing them as a vital means of sustaining Sirleaf’s contributions to Liberia and Africa.
“This government will indeed support this project because it is not just about honoring President Sirleaf; it is about cementing her legacy and the path she paved for women in leadership,” Boakai said. “We will do our part to ensure this vision is realized.”
President Boakai also reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality, declaring himself a strong advocate for the “HeForShe” movement. He called on international partners and supporters to continue investing in initiatives that uplift women, emphasizing that any contribution toward the EJS Center was an investment in Liberia’s future.
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasized her dedication to advancing women in leadership, a mission she set forth after receiving the Mo Ibrahim Prize in 2018.
She reflected on the unwavering support of women that propelled her to the presidency and emphasized her commitment to fostering structural and systemic change across Africa. Sirleaf credited key figures, including former U.S. President George W. Bush, and a steadfast female ally, for playing crucial roles in her journey.
With gratitude, she acknowledged those who have supported her mission and expressed determination to see more African women rise to positions of real influence and power. “Not just leadership in name, but the kind of authority that drives fundamental change,” she emphasized.
As Africa works toward Agenda 2063, Sirleaf assured that her efforts are just beginning. She pledged to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that uplift women across the continent. “You will hear much more about our efforts in the days to come,” she promised, urging continued support for the movement toward a more inclusive and equitable Africa.
Making remarks, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, commended Madam Sirleaf for her perseverance in spearheading a challenging yet significant initiative over the past five years.
He urged Sirleaf to remain steadfast in her mission. “You are blazing a pioneering trail, one that has not been braved in recent times in Africa,” he stated.
Obasanjo added, “If your dream does not scare you, then your dream is not big enough.” He emphasized that the true challenge often lies not in having a big dream but in implementing it.
Reflecting on moments of doubt during their own leadership journeys, Obasanjo admitted that had they foreseen the immense sacrifices required, they might not have embarked on them.
He stressed the necessity of empowering both men and women for Africa to achieve its full potential on the global stage. He pointed out that, historically, African women have faced systemic challenges, including cultural and religious constraints, which have weakened their role in societal development.
“If Africa is to reach its proper place in the world, both arms of its people male and female must be strong enough to lift the continent. At the moment, the female wing is grossly weakened,” he noted.
The event concluded with resounding support from attendees, reinforcing the importance of equal opportunities in shaping Africa’s future.
For her part, former President of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde emphasized the crucial role of the Center in ensuring that women who step into leadership do not walk alone.
According to her, leadership is not a destination, but a journey, and no one walks it alone. “The work of this Center is vital in making sure women leaders are not isolated but instead empowered to reach greater heights,” she stated.
She urged women in governance to embrace leadership with both intellect and compassion. “Women leaders must remember that their rise to power is not to change their nature, but to change the nature of power,” she said. “Lead with your brain, based on your achievements, but also lead with your heart, honesty, humility, and compassion for your fellow citizens,” she added.
She however, addressed the challenges that women in leadership face, including psychological violence, intimidation, and resistance at various levels of governance. She emphasized the need for unity and solidarity among women to navigate these obstacles.
“One of the most powerful lessons we must pass on to the next generation of women leaders is the importance of building a track record one they can stand on, and through that, stand tall,” she noted. “Achievements do not speak for themselves unless they are recognized and celebrated,” she concluded.
