Speech

Statement by Ms. Christine N. Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator, Liberia at WONGOSOL's International Women’s Day Program 2024

28 March 2024

Thursday, March 28, 2024

It is a great privilege and honor to stand before you today on this auspicious occasion of the Celebration of International Women's Month. As we gather here under the theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" and "Empower Her, Empower All," we are reminded of the critical importance of empowering women and girls as catalysts for progress and transformation in our societies.

Before I delve further into the significance of today's theme, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia for organizing this remarkable event. Your dedication and tireless efforts in advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls are truly commendable. I also want to express my appreciation to all the women leaders, activists, and advocates present here today for your unwavering commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Liberia ranks 164th out of 191 nations on the Gender Disparity Index, with gender disparity pervasive in social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. Men and boys are more likely to have formal education, while girls living in rural poverty are the most disadvantaged. Women are more likely to work informally, insecurely, in low-skilled occupations, and for lower income. Men have nearly twice as many bank accounts and greater access to financial services and credit. Women are still responsible for unpaid care and household work, which is undervalued. Women and girls, particularly those poorest and experiencing discrimination, are more likely to experience violence, oppression, and marginalization.

To address gender inequality, Liberia needs to increase the production and use of gender data, strengthen the capacity of LISGIS and other government institutions, and have access to quality gender data that reveals differences across age, income, and rural-urban locality.

Liberia's women's rights organizations, which play a crucial role in women's economic empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, political participation, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, received only 0.13% of total official development assistance and 0.42% of grants from progressive private foundations last year. Despite their significant contributions to Liberia's development, these organizations are not adequately funded, often operating voluntarily, which contributes to women's unpaid work and the burden of care. Robust, flexible, and multi-year financing for locally led feminist movements and women's rights organizations is essential to address poverty and promote gender equality and sustainable development. Both the public and private sectors should invest in these organizations, fostering a social contract grounded in trust, human rights, and institutional action to end women's and girls' poverty.

As we mark International Women's Month, it is imperative to reflect on the progress we have made in advancing gender equality and the challenges that still lie ahead. Despite significant strides in recent years, women and girls continue to face multifaceted barriers that hinder their full participation and contribution to society. Discrimination, gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited economic opportunities persist in many parts of the world, including Liberia.

However, amidst these challenges, we recognize the undeniable potential of women and girls to drive positive change and accelerate progress. When we invest in women, we invest in the future of our communities and nations. Empowering women economically, socially, and politically not only benefits them individually but also creates ripple effects that benefit families, communities, and entire societies.

Therefore, on this International Women's Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to invest in women and girls in Liberia and beyond. Let us prioritize initiatives that promote gender equality, women's empowerment, and the fulfillment of women's rights. This includes ensuring equal access to education and healthcare, eliminating gender-based violence, promoting women's leadership and participation in decision-making processes, and creating economic opportunities that empower women to thrive and succeed.

In conclusion, women's leadership is critical in advancing development policies, especially for the poorest people, notably women and girls. This optimism about expanding relationships with the public and private sectors to engage in policies and programs that promote women's participation in national decision-making, budgeting, and development planning. Let’s remember that the empowerment of women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic investment in sustainable development and peace. As we celebrate the achievements of women and girls around the world, let us also recommit ourselves to the unfinished agenda of gender equality and women's rights. Together, let us empower her, and in doing so, empower all.

Speech by

UN Resident Coordinator

UN Women

United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women