…First Lady Boakai vows
Liberia’s first-lady, Madam Katumu Boakai has vawed that the government of Liberia under the leadership of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai will continue to ensure that the basic need of women and girls across all sector of society are met.
This, she says will be done by ensuring that they are kept in school, and catered to medically. She said the Boakai administration has seen the impact of appointing capable women to key positions within government.
Therefore, will forge ahead with the commitment of having women in school and appointed to key ministerial positions.
“In this endeavor, our government will not waver. We will continue to promote women’s education, health, and participation in leadership. We have already seen the impact of appointing capable women to key positions within our government, and we will forge ahead with this commitment.”
Speaking Friday, March 8, 2024 at the celebration of the international women’s day which is held under
the global theme : “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress” and also commemorated under a national theme: “Empower Her, Empower All” the first lady urged women to use the spirit of leadership and determination to embark on transformative journey. Asserting that collective effort is paramount in investing in women.
“As Rosalynn Carter once said, “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be.” It is with this spirit of leadership and determination that I call upon each and every one of us to embark on this transformative journey. Our collective effort is paramount in investing in our women and, thereby, charting a course for a more prosperous future for Liberia and the world at large.”
In furtherance, Madam Boakai stated that in recognition of the strides women have made and the mountains they are yet to conquer, the government will not rest to forge ahead in creating environments that nurture the growth and success of women and girls throughout the fifteen counties.
She added that the government will intensify collaboration with relevant institutions to secure the necessary support for programs aimed at enhancing the living standards of women, fostering education for women and girls, improving reproductive health services, and ensuring the active involvement of women in all spheres of society, especially in political leadership are met.
At the same time, the first lady urged women to recommit to the work that lies ahead by honoring the legacy of the powerful women who have shaped history and paved the way for the future female leaders of Liberia.
Further requesting Liberian to remember that by empowering women, they are not only doing what is right and just, but are also unlocking the full potential of Liberia.
“As we celebrate this International Women’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the work that lies ahead. Let us honor the legacy of the powerful women who have shaped our history and paved the way for the future female leaders of our nation. Let us remember that by empowering women, we are not only doing what is right and just, but we are also unlocking the full potential of our country.”
The first-lady lauded and extended profound appreciation to all those who continue to support and advance the cause of women.
She highlighted assistance from USAID in key areas: the implementation of the Land Rights Act aimed at correcting historical discrimination, gender-based violence (GBV), and women’s political participation and leadership. Asserting that they are geared towards advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
With this years IWD theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” she says it calls the government to action. She noted that to invest in a woman is to invest in a nation. Therefore, as a nation, Liberians must reflect on the sacrifices and triumphs of women throughout history, and be reminded of the power and potential that women hold within themselves.
Using the courageous Malala of Pakistan, the first-lady in her words, provided assurance that the government will continue to invest in the economic livelihoods and empowerment of women through initiatives that seek to liberate women from what she believes that have held with men back from achieving the dreams successfully.
“To quote the courageous Malala of Pakistan, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” Thus, our government continues to invest in the economic livelihoods and empowerment of women through initiatives such as the Liberia Women Empowerment Project and the UN Women’s “Next Level Business Program” for Market Women. We have seen the fruits of partnerships with the World Bank, USAID, and other organizations working tirelessly to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls.”
