The United States of America Representative to the United Nations and the UN Security Council, Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield, met with the Liberian delegation, including Ambassador Juli Endee, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in celebration of International Women’s Day with a key focus on FGM in Liberia and promoting Initiation without Mutilation.
She expressed joy and happiness to meet Amb. Endee, saying, “I am so happy meeting my good old friend over the years.” She talked about their work in Liberia, sisterhood, friendship, and her chieftaincy title.
The US Ambassador also jokingly asked Amb. Endee, “What are you doing to stay young all the time? I guess it’s God’s grace and favor.” She laughed and expressed happiness that Liberia is rising up for women.
Ambassador Juli Endee reflected on the harmonious ties that exist between her and the US Ambassador and lauded Ambassador Greenfield for finding time off her busy schedule to meet with her.
She commended UN Women and Ambassador Jaha Dukureh for their continued support of the government and the women of Liberia.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield is a distinguished foreign service diplomat who served as U.S.
ambassador to Liberia from 2008–2012, recounted her memorable days as the US ambassador to Liberia.
Meanwhile, she expressed happiness for the presence of the Liberian delegation at the CSW conference and commended the head of the delegation, Gender Minister Williametta Piso Saydee Tarr, for exploring the opportunity to attend.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield told the delegation that during her service in Liberia, she closely worked with Ambassador Juli Endee as very good friends and sisters.
It can be noted that the sixty-seventh (67th) session of the Commission on the Status of Women commenced on Monday, March 6, 2023, at the United Nations Headquarters with Liberia’s delegation in attendance.
Hon. Williametta E. Saydee Tarr, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, is heading Liberia’s delegation, which also includes Her Excellency, Ambassador Clar Marie Weah, First Lady of the Republic of Liberia, and officials of government and civil society.
The 67th Session convenes from March 6–17 on the priority theme of “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.
During said period, the Liberian delegation participated in official meetings of the session and side events organized by Liberia and other delegations.
Additionally, Liberia on Wednesday, March 8, held a CSW side-event titled “Pathway to eradicating FGM in Liberia: An intentional participatory process” to showcase the process leading to the landmark pronouncement in February banning FGM in Liberia.
Traditional leaders including Chief Zanzan Karwor, National Chairperson, National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, Montserrado Head Zoe, Massa Kadakai, and Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee served on the panel.
The Commission on the Status of Women was established in 1946 as the main global intergovernmental body focused on the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It brings together women leaders, experts, advocates, and representatives of civil society from around the world to discuss best practices and policies that promote gender equity.
The Culture Ambassador and Traditional Queen of Liberia, Ambassador Juli Endee, also received the internationally prestigious Emerald Global Peace and Humanitarian Award alongside super stars from Hollywood, New York, Georgia, Africa, Canada, and other countries at the 5th Annual American Emerald Awards in Philadelphia, USA.
The Emerald Awards were presented by legendary producer and writer Norbert Brown Jr. from Hollywood on Saturday, March 11 at the Cicely Tyson Music Theatre at 4732 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.
The Emerald Awards have since showcased many recipients and finalists who are raising the bar in addressing local, regional, and global issues with excellence across all sectors, including business, community work, health, legacy women’s rights, peace, and social work, among others, thus making the recipients unique not only in the USA but also in Africa and across the world.
Amb. Juli Endee is the Liberia Crusaders for Peace’s (LCP) Executive Director and also the Vision Bearer of the Golden Image Award (GIA).
