By Bill W. Cooper
Gbarpolu County Senator Botoe Kanneh has declared that the only path to sustainable development and economic stability in Liberia is through the election of a woman as president of the country.
Sen. Kanneh also emphasized the unique qualities and perspectives that women bring to leadership roles, arguing that their involvement is crucial for the nation’s progress and economic stability.
She made the disclosure over the weekend, during the Ministry of Gender, in collaboration with the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Gender, first policy dialogue which focused on three critical legislative issues in the country.
They are the Women Legal Service Bill, the Female Genital Mutilation Bill, and the Amended Elections Laws of 1986, aimed at advancing women and girls’ rights, coupled with gender equality across Liberia.
The theme for this year’s event is: “Breaking Legal Barriers, Advancing Laws: Strengthening Policy Frameworks For Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment,” held under the Component 4 of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (WEP): Strengthening Public Institutions to Advance Gender Equality.
Also, the Senator’s remarks come at a time when the nation is grappling with high unemployment rates, inflation, and a lack of basic services, coupled with decades of civil unrests, economic challenges, and political instability, among other vices.
It can be recalled that in 2005, Liberia made significant history on the African continent by electing the first female President in West Africa, signaling the country’s commitment to ensuring gender equality and women’s participation in the governance of the state.
Despite the many achievements from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 12-year’s leadership, which saw the rehabilitation of some major infrastructures including roads connectivity among others, the country is still engulfed with major challenges, especially the high unemployment rate.
But delivering a special remark during the dialogue, the Gbarpolu County Senator at the same time articulated her vision for a Liberia led by women, and pointed out that women have proven their capabilities in various sectors, from business to politics, and have often been the backbone of their communities.
“Women possess a unique understanding of the challenges faced by families and communities, as such, their leadership style is often more inclusive and collaborative, which is exactly what Liberia needs right now.
“Yes, we may have out papybin kay chair who is trying his best to make sure this country is developed and properly governed, but I say today, that women leadership is the only hope for this country, evident by the work of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,” she noted.
Sen. Kanneh also highlighted the success stories of women leaders around the world, citing examples from countries like New Zealand, Germany, and Liberia’s own Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa.
She, at the same time argued that these leaders have not only brought stability but have also fostered economic growth and social cohesion as such, if women are given the opportunity to lead, Liberia stands a better chance for economic recovery and development.
Kanneh further indicated that when women lead, economies thrive, because they are great managers and ones who prioritize education, healthcare, and social welfare, which are essential for long-term development.
The Senator also believes that a woman president could implement policies that directly address several of the issues the country and citizenry are faced with, and thereby proposed initiatives focused on job creation, investment in education, and infrastructural development.
Meanwhile, Sen. Kanneh has also called for increased support for women in politics, including mentorship programs, financial assistance for female candidates, and public awareness campaigns to change societal perceptions about women leaders. She added, “It is not enough to simply advocate for a woman president; we must create an environment where women can thrive in politics, be it at the Legislature, Judiciary Branch or even at the cabinet level.”
