-Rep. Briggs rallies support, as she seeks the Deputy Speakership
By Jerromie S. Walters
As Liberia continues to strive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, Bong County District #6 Representative MoimaBriggs Mensah, has not allowed herself to be defined by hergender, as she’s now in an endeavor to secure the Deputy Speakership of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia.
Though it requires a lot to uphold the post, political pundits have emphasized that Liberians must consider that it is crucial to recognize the significance of supporting a female like Representative Briggs for the Deputy Speakership of the 55thLegislature.
Relentless as she remains in her quest, Representative Briggs appeals in her humblest tone, the need for Liberians to aid her strive with prayers, advice, guidance, connection(s) and what she characterized as the “strong push” of the women of Liberia.
“I’m Moima Briggs Mensah Representative and Representative Elect of Dist. #6 Bong County. I’m an independent candidate, I am your sister, your daughter, your aunty and your servant. It’s important we raise the bar for women, It’s important we have a balance Legislature, it’s also important we sit side by side with the men, in this quest, we are changing the stereotypes and making history.”
She adds, “I like to duly and respectfully inform you all of my interest to becoming the First Female Deputy Speaker of the Republic of Liberia during this 55th Session of the House of Representatives, National Legislature. In the process of this quest, I contested the seat of deputy speaker in the 54th legislature but got defeated. Some of the results of our defeat as gathered was due to the fact that we didn’t reach out to most women of Liberia, not much consultation was done with women CSOs and other partners, plus the fact that we were also new to legislative politics.”
“Now that we have returned with a new legislative mandate from the people of SALALA DISTRICT #6 BONG COUNTY, I have come to plead with you all in our safe space for your support, you might not be eligible voters at the legislature but you are eligible votes influencers; therefore, I need your pieces of advice, I need your guardian, I need your connection(s) with our female and male lawmakers, and I need that strong push in whatever way from you great women of Liberia but above all, I need your prayers during this process,” she articulates.
She continues- “With prayers and constant consultations we can win the post of Deputy Speaker as we fight for a gender balance leadership at the House of Representatives. This is my plead Women.”
As this is her second attempt, and as she will be the first female Deputy Speaker in the country’s history if she wins, many Liberians have stressed the need for women and her colleagues at the legislature to support her candidacy. More to this, they believe it remains crucial in promoting women’s leadership.
Others believe that supporting a female like Representative Briggs for the Deputy Speakership, sends a powerful message about Liberia’s commitment to gender equality. They say by providing equal opportunities for women to hold leadership positions, the nation can challenge societal norms and break down gender stereotypes.
This move- according to a lot of Liberians, will encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more inclusive policies that address the needs and perspectives of all citizens.
Intrinsically, it has become a known fact that when women occupy prominent positions in politics, they serve as role models for future generations. With this, political pundits have also heightened the aptness of supporting the candidacy of Representative Briggs, as they believe a female candidate for the Deputy Speakership of the 55th Legislature of Liberia is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality, promoting inclusive governance, and inspiring future female leaders.
