Shallon S. Gonlor / shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA — A young female activist in Nimba County, Miss Marian Z. Quoi has strongly condemned the recent statement made by Hon. Samuel Korgar, the lawmaker representing District #5 in Nimba County.
Over the weekend, Hon. Korgar publicly stated that “a woman cannot replace a man in the upcoming senatorial by-election in Nimba County” This controversial statement has sparked widespread reactions, particularly among women’s rights advocates and pro-democracy activists.
Miss Quoi, who has been a staunch advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nimba County, expressed deep disappointment in the lawmaker’s remarks. She emphasized that such a statement is not only regressive but also contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy and equality enshrined in the Liberian Constitution.
This controversy arose following the death of the late Nimba County Senator, Prince Yormie Johnson, which left a vacant seat in the Liberian Senate. The upcoming by-election aims to fill this position, and several candidates, including Hon. Korgar, have declared their intentions to contest. However, his assertion that “a woman cannot replace a man” has raised concerns about gender discrimination and exclusion in Liberian politics.
Speaking on Radio Nimba Tuesday edition of the “Everyday Talk Program,” Miss Quoi firmly rejected the idea that electoral seats are gender-specific. She stated that no provision in the Liberian Constitution mandates a man must replace another man in an elected position or that a woman must replace another woman. Instead, she argued, all elected positions are open to both men and women, provided they meet the legal and constitutional requirements for office.
Miss Quoi described Hon. Korgar’s statement as “diabolical and inhumane,” emphasizing that it undermines the progress women have made in politics and leadership. She called on the people of Nimba County, particularly the women, to reject such discriminatory rhetoric and actively participate in the upcoming by-election.
According to her, Liberia has a long history of male-dominated politics, but women have continued to break barriers and make significant strides in leadership roles, quoting former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female head of state, as one of the strongest symbols.
She lamented that women’s political representation in Liberia remains low, and statements like those from Hon. Korgar reinforce barriers that prevent women from fully participating in governance.
Miss Quoi highlighted that women make up approximately 55% of Nimba County’s population, yet their representation in leadership positions remains minimal. She called on the women of Nimba County to unite and push back against discriminatory narratives that seek to sideline them. “If our voices must be heard, we must stand together and support women’s leadership in Nimba County,” Miss Quoi urged.
Miss Quoi also used the medium, calling for an immediate retraction from Hon. Korgar. According to her, such a statement sets a dangerous precedent and discourages women from aspiring to leadership positions. She stressed that lawmakers and political figures must be held accountable for their words, as their statements influence public perceptions and political participation.
She further encouraged civil society organizations, human rights activists, and political parties to denounce Hon. Korgar’s remarks and advocate for greater inclusivity in the political process. “We cannot afford to move backward when it comes to gender equality. Our leaders should be promoting unity and inclusivity, not discrimination and exclusion,” she added.
As Nimbaians prepare for the senatorial by-election, the issue of gender inclusion remains at the forefront of political discourse. Miss Quoi’s response to Hon. Korgar’s statement serves as a rallying call for women in Nimba County to take an active role in politics. She urged women to mobilize, educate themselves about their rights, and support female candidates who are qualified and ready to serve.
She also emphasized the need for women to challenge societal norms that continue to limit their political ambitions. “Leadership is about capacity, vision, and commitment, not gender. Women have led this country before, and we can do it again,” she said.
Miss Marian Z. Quoi’s condemnation of Hon. Samuel Korgar’s statement is a bold step in the fight for gender equality in Liberia. Her advocacy highlights the urgent need to dismantle gender barriers and create an inclusive political landscape where both men and women have equal opportunities to serve.
As the people of Nimba County prepare for the upcoming senatorial by-election, the debate over women’s political participation continues to gain momentum. The question remains: will Nimba County embrace progress and gender inclusivity, or will it allow outdated ideologies to dictate its leadership choices?
Miss Quoi has promised to remain committed to ensuring that every woman in Nimba County has the opportunity to lead and make a difference.
