Hundreds of women from across Liberia’s 15 subdivisions gathered at the Sanniquelle Administrative Building in Nimba County on October 15, 2024, to celebrate International Rural Women’s Day.
This day is globally recognized to honor and support the multiple roles that rural women play as farmers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
It also highlights their indispensable contributions to food security, community development, and economic growth in Liberia.
The event brought together a host of dignitaries, development partners, and representatives of rural women’s groups as well a World Bank delegation.
In her keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Mary Lartey, a prominent representative of the Rural Women Structure from Bong County, called on rural women to remain steadfast and positive in their respective fields.
Madam Lartey, visibly moved by the honor of being selected as the keynote speaker, emphasized the need for more investment in the agricultural sector, which rural women heavily depend on for their livelihoods.
“I am delighted to serve as the keynote speaker for this important occasion. Rural women are the backbone of our agricultural economy, and it is high time that the Government and partners increase their investment in this sector to empower us further,” said Madam Lartey.
She praised the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection for providing rural women with platforms to express their needs and concerns, but she also urged the Ministry to continue addressing the challenges that rural women face, including access to resources and capacity-building opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Atty. Laura Golakeh reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to empowering rural women.
“The Minister’s vision is to ensure that rural women receive the empowerment they deserve to thrive in their communities,” Atty. Golakeh stated.
She commended the women of Nimba County for their warm reception and expressed appreciation to all rural women for their resilience and contributions to national development.
Atty. Golakeh also highlighted the ongoing Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), which the Ministry, with support from the World Bank, is rolling out across the country.
The project focuses on improving the socioeconomic status of women in rural areas, providing them with access to essential services, resources, and economic opportunities.
Also speaking at the event, Ausma Quaresh, the Social Development Specialist /Technical Team Lead of the World Bank in Liberia emphasized the Bank’s commitment to poverty alleviation and improving the lives of people in rural communities, especially women.
“We recognize the challenges that rural women face daily, including limited access to markets, technology, and financial services. These barriers must be removed to enable women to fully participate in the development of their communities and the country at large,” the representative noted.
The celebration was filled with vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the diversity and strength of rural women. It was a moment of reflection and renewal of commitment to continue advocating for rural women’s rights and ensuring that their voices remain at the center of Liberia’s development agenda.
The International Rural Women’s Day 2024 celebration in Sanniquelle City was a testament to the power and resilience of Liberia’s rural women, who continue to play a vital role in building a stronger and more inclusive society.
In alignment with the global theme, the occasion was celebrated under the National theme: “Empowering Rural Women through Agriculture to Provide Nutrition for All,” which highlights the government’s commitment to promoting rural women’s participation in agriculture as a key driver of food security and nutrition.
International Rural Women’s Day was first celebrated on October 15, 2008, following its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.
The day was developed from the momentum of the UN Conference for Women held in Beijing in 1995, and supported by organizations like the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) and the Women’s World Summit Foundation (WWSF). Since then, the day has served as an opportunity to recognize rural women as a key force in global agricultural production, food systems, and socio-economic progress. Despite their significant contributions, rural women face disparities in income, access to resources, and food security.
Rural women make up more than a quarter of the world’s population and play an essential role in feeding their families and communities.
However, the global gender gap in agri-food systems continues to limit their potential. Addressing this gap is critical to achieving food security and advancing rural development.
