By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has announced that its Executive Director, Madam Esther S.D. Yango Eyeah David Yango has been appointed as the Chair of the Anglophone Cluster of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) for the current quarter. This prestigious appointment recognizes her longstanding commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality in Liberia and beyond.
SOAWR is a prominent coalition comprising over 70 civil society organizations from 33 African countries. Since its inception in 2004, the coalition has been at the forefront of advocating for the implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa. This important legal framework prioritizes the rights of women and girls across the continent, aiming to create a safer and more equitable environment for all.
In her new role, Madam Yango will leverage SOAWR’s platform to amplify the voices of women and protect their rights, particularly in Liberia, where many women and marginalized groups continue to face significant challenges. Her leadership is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that governments uphold their commitments to women’s rights, as outlined in the Maputo Protocol.
Madam Yango is widely recognized as a passionate advocate for women’s and girls’ rights in Liberia. Her tireless efforts to defend these rights, promote gender equality and include marginalized communities have earned her this well-deserved honor. “Congratulations to me on being selected the Chair for the Anglophone Cluster of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights (SOAWR) this quarter.”
As Chair of the Anglophone Cluster of SOAWR, Madam Yango’s leadership is anticipated to foster collaboration among civil society organizations and strengthen advocacy efforts across the region. Her appointment comes at a critical time when the need for effective action to safeguard women’s rights is more urgent than ever.
The Women NGO Secretariat and its supporters express their confidence that Madam Yango will bring her vision and dedication to this new position, inspiring change and progress for women and girls throughout Africa.
SOAWR Vision
African women fully enjoy their rights as provided for under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
SOAWR Mission
Hold African Union Member States accountable and enhance partnerships to fulfill their obligations under the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and encourage other stakeholders to actively apply the Protocol for the promotion and protection of the rights of women.
SOAWR Core Values
SOAWR believes that the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol is key to addressing the patriarchal and sexist character of institutions, norms, and governing values to realize full equality and end discrimination against women and girls and realize full equality.
Solidarity and partnership
SOAWR believes in solidarity as a means of building an effective, transformative movement for change in Africa. We, therefore, envision SOAWR as a collective force for action for women’s freedom and rights. We shall act together and support the struggles and initiatives of women’s Rights champions and organizations across the continent and with vertical and horizontal partners of women’s rights across the world.
Freedom and dignity
SOAWR believes that freedom is central to social justice. We are a force for African women’s freedom; we are driven by the principle of defending and upholding women’s voice, agency, dignity, and rights across the African continent. We, therefore, envision SOAWR as a collective force for action for women’s freedom and rights.
Diversity and inclusivity
SOAWR believes in the diversity of women and their unique strengths and insights. We also recognize that women’s intersectional identities may interact to intensify violations, and we work towards eliminating such discrimination. We believe in holding each other accountable for the indivisibility of women’s rights, and we believe in the importance of courage to confront patriarchy. Therefore, we consciously work in the margins of society and work with and for women in the margins.
Commitment and accountability
SOAWR believes that progress towards a continent where women’s rights and dignity are secured will only flow from action by networked, committed, and inspired women and women’s rights champions who are guided by high standards of accountability. Without the passion, commitment, and accountability internally and by Member States, transformation will be slow to achieve.
