By Precious D. Freeman
Two of Liberia’s prominent women have cautioned women of Bong County to take side of the leadership and peace of Liberia in order to change the narrative.
Bong County Superintendent Esther Walker and the Establishment Co-coordinator of the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC) for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, Yvette Chesson-Wureh, in separate remarks said Liberia’s peace is in the hands of women therefore, they should remain on the side of peace and leadership so as to be visible at the place of influence, trust and decision-making.
On Thursday March 24, 2022, ABIC with support from the United Nations Peace-building and ZOAC brought together hundreds of women in Bong County in celebration of post International Women Day (IWD) and celebrated under the local theme: “Liberian Women Must Be Visible at the Table.”
The program converged women from 10 towns in Gbarnga, Bong County, including, Belefanai, Gbarnga Community, Suakoko, Wainsue, Palala, Gbartala, Folobia, Cuttington, Salala and Totota Communities respectively.
The program started with a parade from the J. F. Clark Elementary School football field on the Kokoyah Road through Gbarnga Broad Street towards the principal streets of Gbarnga and climaxed at the Gbarnga Administrative Building with a one-day symposium.
Participants at the symposium highlighted women’s emancipation and participation in peace processes and renewed the call for women to be given the space to serve in positions of influence highlighting several barriers.
The women also craved for job-training and empowerment to be able to support their children and cater to the livelihoods of their respective families as they further urge their colleagues to enhance their participation in national advocacy for women and children across the country.
A discussion from the women outlined challenges including fear, tradition, lack of love and support for each other, lack of resources, limited education, and threats from their spouses as reasons for which Liberian women are not at the table of trust, influence and decision-making.
The grassroots women also highlighted the negative impact of illicit drugs among the youths and called for swift action to save the younger generation.
Superintendent Walker urged women to fight for their rights and dignity in the society come 2023 Presidential and General Elections to curtail lots of disadvantages against them.
According to her, 2023 is around the corner and women should go to the election with peace and make sure that they elect their own for their voices to be heard and given attention instead of voting for rice and material things.
“This country is ours; let us not be afraid because we can change the narratives. Stand up and make this country better. Even if you know book or not, you have a part to play and even uneducated women have common sense that can help us. The men are our counterparts and therefore, do not be afraid of them,” Madam Walker noted.
ABIC’s Establishment Coordinator said women should muster the courage to make sure that they are visible at the table and cautioned that the peace of Liberia is in their hands.
Cllr. Dr. Cheeson-Wureh then called on all grassroots women to learn from their Superintendent and make sure that they do away with fear and other negative vices that have the potential to stop them from achieving their goals and keep Liberia safe.
“Participate in all democratic processes and make sure that your voice is heard. Participate in politics because it decides your future, education, healthcare and everything you can imagine and think about,” Dr. Cheeson-Wureh cautioned.
The symposium, according to Cllr. Chesson-Wureh was necessary to brainstorm and encourage Liberian women and girls to break barriers, step forward and forge ahead to pursue the objective of women emancipation.
Madam Chesson-Wureh said the time is now for women to do away with phobia and threats from their male counterparts and take on the challenge to be visible to positions of trust and influence, adding that it’s only by that women’s plight will be addressed and voice be heard.
