– Pres. Boakai rallies Liberian women for national development.
In a momentous display of commitment to gender equality and national development, President Boakai of Liberia engaged with women’s leaders in a dynamic meeting that underscored the importance of empowering women and prioritizing their concerns. The meeting, which featured a lineup of speakers addressing critical topics such as women’s health, business empowerment, hygiene, sanitation, and agriculture, served as a platform for dialogue and action on key issues affecting women across the nation.
During the gathering, President Boakai lauded the invaluable contributions of women and expressed unwavering confidence in the capabilities of the women he has appointed to key positions within his government. Highlighting his record as the President who has appointed the highest number of women in key roles, the President emphasized the pivotal role that women play in driving progress and shaping the future of Liberia.
Empowering women, President Boakai reiterated, is not a matter of debate but a strategic imperative for national development. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to prioritizing women’s specific issues under the ARREST Agenda, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing critical challenges and fostering sustainable development across Liberia.
In a significant announcement, the President revealed that the government has allocated a substantial budget of $46 million for women’s empowerment programs, signaling a tangible commitment to investing in initiatives that uplift and empower women. President Boakai called upon the Gender Minister to ensure inclusivity and effective implementation of these programs, underscoring the importance of creating opportunities for all women to thrive and succeed.
While expressing disappointment in the current state of the country, President Boakai expressed optimism and hope for Liberia’s future, envisioning a transformation where Liberia emerges as the destination of Africa rather than merely a gateway to the continent. He emphasized the need to harness the potential of women as catalysts for change and progress, recognizing the critical role they play in shaping a brighter future for the nation.
As Liberia navigates its path towards progress and prosperity, initiatives like these demonstrate the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and fostering inclusive growth. President Boakai’s steadfast advocacy for women’s empowerment and his pledge of substantial funding reflect a bold vision for a more equitable and prosperous Liberia.
In conclusion, President Boakai’s engagement with women’s leaders and his commitment to prioritizing women’s empowerment marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive and thriving society in Liberia. By championing women’s rights, promoting inclusivity, and investing in women’s potential, the government is laying a strong foundation for a future where all Liberians can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development journey.
The Liberian women leaders presented a document to the President that called for action for gender responsiveness in Liberia’s new county development agendas and national development plan. It highlights the importance of addressing discrimination and prejudice against women and girls, ensuring their rights and freedoms in various aspects of life. Despite existing legal safeguards, challenges persist in realizing these rights, especially for marginalized communities.
Key recommendations include increasing budget allocation for gender equality and women empowerment, passing laws to promote women’s political participation, strengthening reproductive health services, and ensuring gender considerations in the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court. The document emphasizes the need for gender-responsive development agendas to address historical gender inequalities and promote social equity.
In addition to advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment, the call to action stresses the importance of peace and security, urging continued commitment to peacebuilding efforts, protection of women and children from violence, and reintegration programs for former combatants. It also emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive approaches in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and the rule of law to promote women’s rights and empowerment across different areas.
The document aims to build a fairer and more just Liberia by ensuring equal opportunities and benefits for all citizens, with a particular focus on advancing gender equality and women’s rights in the country’s development agendas and plans.
