By Moses J. Dawoe
Southeast Correspondent
Women in Maryland County have joined thousands of women across the world to celebrate International Women’s Day in Pleebo City, Maryland County.
The keynote speaker of the International Women’s Day celebration, Madam Amanda Wright, raised alarm over sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and children, describing it as a global epidemic.
According to Madam Wright, women constitute half of the world’s population, yet they continue to face unequal opportunities in nearly all aspects of life. She emphasized that women should not have to wait for acknowledgment of this fact.
However, she stressed that in order to achieve any vision, eradicate poverty, and ensure peaceful coexistence; women and girls must not be excluded from decision-making and development efforts.
Moreover, Madam Amanda Wright highlighted the importance of girls’ education as a key instrument for nation-building through collective efforts. She stated that 15 million school-aged girls worldwide lack the opportunity to learn to read, which is a major setback for gender equality.
Speaking on March 8, 2025, at Pleebo City Hall during the International Women’s Day celebration, Madam Wright emphasized that while more boys are enrolled in school, 12 million girls under the age of 18 are forced into early marriage, a practice she described as a serious disservice that must not be encouraged globally.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Wright urged parents to ensure that girls complete high school and pursue university education, as this is essential for achieving an equal society.
Additionally, she pointed out that sexual and physical violence against women is on the rise in Maryland County and other parts of Liberia, calling for urgent action to end these injustices.
In her closing statement, Madam Wright called on Liberian women to seek public office to achieve gender balance in the legislature. She also recommended that the President appoint more female superintendents in various counties.
In a related development, the Gender Coordinator of Maryland County, Madam Marah Suku, highlighted the lack of safe homes for survivors of domestic violence and other related crimes.
During the occasion, Madam Suku launched US$5,000 project aimed at building a rescue home for victims in Maryland County.
The program, which was held under the theme “Accelerate Action”, brought together women’s groups from across the four electoral districts of Maryland County, including Traditional Council Chairperson Mr. Nelson Neal and people living with disabilities.
