Liberian Women and Partners Celebrate International Women Day

The celebrations were marked by a parade from SKD Boulevard junction to the Ministerial Complex and a health screening session.

As part of the official proceedings, the Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, moderated a panel discussion on 'Innovating with technology to promote gender equality' in line with the national theme.

Panelists comprised, Sara Buchanan, Executive Director of Orange Foundation, Josephine Kou Gaye, Commissioner from the National Elections Commission, Zoquay Konneh Beyslow, senior reporter from Liberia Broadcasting System and Engineer Janetta John Roberts.

The panelists highlighted the importance of using new technologies for marketing purposes and business transactions; voter registration; working with technologies, and promoting women's political participation. The role of the media was also emphasised.

Meanwhile, women who excelled in various disciplines were honoured and received awards for outstanding work in promoting gender equality. The President of Liberia, George Weah was also honoured and received a gift inscribed, ‘Feminist in Chief.’

In his remarks, President George Weah reiterated his government’s commitment to empowering Liberian women through technology. “My government will continue to work closely with all partners and stakeholders to ensure that women are empowered by innovating with technology to promote gender equality.”

The government will continue to enhance strategic partnerships with the private sector with support from all stakeholders and donors to ensure that the needed financial resources are available to support this initiative.

President Weah declared the month of March as Liberian women’s month and encouraged everyone to continue recognizing women's rights.

He called on political parties to respect the guidelines on ending violence against women in elections and politics.

On her part, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Williametta Saydee-Tarr highlighted key achievements made in promoting gender equality, including the ban on female genital mutilation in Liberia.

UN Women Country Representative, Comfort Lamptey, delivered the UN Secretary General’s message for International Women’s Day and highlighted the need to close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology.

"Today, women make up under a third of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and maths. And when women are under-represented in developing new technologies, discrimination may be baked in from the start. That is why we must close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology," she said.

In addition, Ms. Lamptey noted that this year’s theme, ‘Innovating with technology to promote gender equality’ is highly relevant to Liberia as the country prepares for elections.

Chief Justice Her Honor Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Youh, other Government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, civil society organizations, representatives from the UN in Liberia, women of Liberia, among others, attended the women's day celebrations.