-WomenVoices’ Publisher rallies women to support VP Taylor
By Jerromie S. Walters
WomenVoices Newspaper was built on an ardent pillar that primarily focuses on ensuring that women voices are heard. This is uncompromisingly intended to reflect on every aspect of life, but void of an effort to justify women’s wrongs.
Since the paper’s birth in 2011, and with politic being no exception, the management has studiously confined and concurred in this theory from administration to administration.
As a commitment and adherence to this ideology and our gender sensitivity, and considering the current political euphoria ahead of the pending runoff election, WomenVoices Publisher, Madam Helen Nah Sammie, has emphasized the paper’s commitment to the only female candidate in the pending process, and urged the women of Liberia to join the endeavor to ensure the reelection of the country’s first female vice president.
Like women have always done, she and scores of other Liberians have spotted the essentiality in them (women) rendering their fervent support to what they characterized as “their own,” in the pending runoff election. This is because they are of the belief that the outcome of the November 14, 2023, election has what it takes to undermine women’s representation for the next six years or more. Like many have stressed- Madam Sammie says women must rally to maintain their own now, in order to ensure a vibrant and experienced female representation for the presidency comes 2029.
In the upcoming runoff election, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor stands as the sole female candidate, representing a beacon of hope and progress for women across the nation. In the view of Madam Sammie, this historic moment calls upon Liberian women to rally together and support her candidacy, as it signifies a significant step towards gender equality in the country’s political landscape. By throwing their weight behind Vice President Taylor, she says Liberian women can pave the way for a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
Like WomenVoices Publisher, political pundits see Vice President Taylor’s candidacy as a breakthrough moment for Liberian women, breaking the long-standing barriers that have hindered their political representation, especially having a female Vice President for two terms and subsequently becoming the country’s second female president if the support continues.
They are of the opinion that by supporting the current Vice President to retain her seat, women can demonstrate their belief in gender equality and their commitment to dismantling the societal norms that have held them back.
Like many other Liberians- Madam Helen Nah Sammie has also emphasized that by rallying behind Vice President Taylor, Liberian women can amplify their voices and ensure that their concerns and priorities are heard and addressed. This is because she acknowledges that women’s perspectives and experiences are crucial in shaping policies that address gender inequality, maternal health, education, and economic opportunities. She adds that supporting the Vice President to victory has the proclivity to strengthen the collective voice of women, making it harder to ignore their needs and aspirations.
Imperatively, she retrospect that Liberian women have long advocated for gender equality, and supporting Vice President Taylor is a tangible step towards achieving this goal. With her reelection, Madam Sammie believes Liberia can showcase its commitment to inclusivity and equal representation. Arguably, she says it sends a powerful message to the world that women are capable leaders who deserve equal opportunities in all spheres of life.
As she effortlessly did during her first term, Vice President Taylor’s candidacy provides a unique opportunity to address pressing issues that disproportionately affect women in Liberia. From gender-based violence to limited access to education and healthcare, supporting her campaign can help prioritize these issues and work towards meaningful solutions. Her experience and understanding of these challenges make her a strong advocate for women’s rights and well-being
What prompted this decision?
In the just ended elections, two female presidential candidates and seven female vice presidential candidates participated.
Amongst the total of nine females, Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor was the only female that was fortunate to have accelerated to the runoff.
As we have always made our presence felt to where women are, our Publisher believes the case of Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor should not be an exception, because she remains the only female amongst the four candidates that will participate in the November 14, 2023, runoff election. More to this, it’s fair enough to justify that it remains our responsibility to aid her in whatever we can, just as we did in the first round.
Considering her passion for women political participation and the paper’s dedication to gender equality, WomenVoicesPublisher, Madam Helen Nah Sammie says, “We are not taking it lightly, women should support her not because of Weah, but because she’s a woman.”
She articulates- “She’s our only option, there’s no other option and we don’t have any trusted heforshe amongst the male candidates.”
This patriotic decision is also pushed by the fact that President George Weah during the campaign process in Bong County, committed himself to her presidential bid in 2029, if she so desire.
This, we believe has the potential to give Liberia another Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, but it all starts from now and the outcome of November 14, 2023.
Any attempt for WomenVoices to downplay the presence of VP Taylor in the pending election, will mean we are comfortable with seeing an end to female representation at the second citizenship, especially when there are two males from the other side.
Moreover, Madam Sammie has attributed her decision to the valid fact that Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has been actively involved in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment in Liberia. Undoubtedly, this is not a strange story as she (VP Taylor) has championed initiatives to address gender-based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, and increase women’s political participation.
Our commitment to checkmate her government if they succeed in the pending runoff
As we stated earlier, this continues commitment of ours is backed by our origin and tradition as Liberia premier gender sensitive media institution, and the fact that she’s the only female candidate in the race so far.
However, following Madam Taylor’s reelection, we shall be around to keep an eye on the governance process, and earmark their missteps for further actions.
As a woman and the Publisher of this paper, Madam Helen Nah Sammie assures- “The women will speak if things go wrong. We will hold her to her feet because of their stance to lift her hand.” She adds, “If Jewel do whatever that doesn’t resemble women, they will stand against it.”
Our role in the first round
Before and during the campaign period of the October 10, 2023, presidential and legislative elections, on multiple occasions we featured dozens of female representative, senatorial, vice presidential and presidential candidates in our daily publications.
Our last article prior to the climax of the campaign period, gagged the views of all of the female presidential and vice presidential candidates on different issues affecting Liberians, as well as their visions and aspirations for Liberia.
Howbeit, the upcoming runoff election in Liberia presents a crucial moment for the women of Liberia. By supporting Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, Liberian women can pave the way for greater gender equality, amplify their voices, and address critical women’s issues. With this, female and female political pundits believe It is time for women to unite, break barriers, and demonstrate their collective strength in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for Liberia.
Who’s Jewel Howard Taylor
Jewel Howard Taylor is a prominent Liberian politician and the current Vice President of Liberia. She assumed office in January 2018, serving as the Vice President under President George Weah.
Born on January 17, 1963, in Liberia, Jewel Howard Taylor has had a long and influential career in politics. She was previously married to Charles Taylor, who served as the President of Liberia from 1997 to 2003. However, it is important to note that Jewel Howard Taylor has pursued her own political career independently of her former husband.
Before becoming Vice President, Jewel Howard Taylor served as a Senator in the Liberian Senate from 2005 to 2018. During her time in the Senate, she represented Bong County and held leadership positions, including serving as the President Pro Tempore, which is the second-highest position in the Senate.
Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor has been actively involved in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment in Liberia. She has championed initiatives to address gender-based violence, promote women’s economic empowerment, and increase women’s political participation.
As Vice President, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor plays a significant role in supporting the President in implementing policies and programs to address the challenges facing Liberia. She continues to be an influential figure in Liberian politics, particularly in advocating for the rights and well-being of women in the country.
Women at the presidency
Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected in 2005 as the first female President of the Republic of Liberia. She is a prominent politician and economist. She served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018, becoming the first elected female head of state in Africa. Madam Sirleaf is widely recognized for her leadership, particularly in promoting peace, democratic governance, and women’s empowerment. Political pundits believe women’s commitment to the elections of Madam Sirleafpaved the way for the current Vice President.
Since her departure from the presidency, VP Taylor is the only female that has footed next to the presidency. Because of this- many Liberians have emphasized that women must do all they can to ensure that she gets to the peak.
