MONROVIA – Liberia’s observance of International Women’s Day this year unfolded with a renewed call for social responsibility and solidarity among women and citizens alike. Speaking at the government’s official celebration hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine used the occasion not merely to celebrate women’s achievements but to challenge what she described as a troubling national mindset of dependency. Anchoring her remarks on the theme “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development,” the prominent lawyer and former political candidate argued that Liberia’s development depends not only on government action but on citizens—especially women—who are willing to give time, mentorship, compassion, and leadership to strengthen communities and build a stronger nation. THE ANALYST reports.
Prominent Liberian lawyer and political figure Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine has called on Liberians—particularly women—to embrace a culture of sacrifice, mentorship, and community solidarity as essential pillars for national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the Government of Liberia’s official International Women’s Day celebration on March 6, 2026, Brumskine emphasized that the country’s future progress depends not solely on government initiatives but on the willingness of citizens to support and uplift one another.
The national program, hosted by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, was held under the theme “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development.”
Addressing government officials, diplomats, civil society leaders, clergy members, and young girls gathered for the occasion, Brumskine described the theme as a powerful reminder that meaningful progress requires sacrifice, service, and collective responsibility.
“It reminds us of an important truth: no society progresses unless its people are willing to give,” she said. “Progress demands sacrifice. Leadership requires service. And nation-building requires commitment.”
Brumskine began by reflecting on the historical struggles women across the world have endured in pursuit of equal opportunity.
She noted that women globally fought for the right to learn, vote, lead, and participate fully in shaping their societies.
Turning to Liberia’s own history, she recalled the crucial role women played in ending the country’s devastating civil conflict.
“When our nation was torn apart by civil war, it was the everyday Liberian women—market women, mothers, prayer warriors, Muslim women, and young girls—who stood together and demanded peace,” she said. “Their courage helped bring an end to conflict and opened the door to a new chapter in our history.”
According to her, the same spirit of courage and civic responsibility must now be applied to Liberia’s development challenges.
Brumskine warned that Liberia risks stagnation if citizens continue to believe that responsibility for national progress lies solely with politicians, wealthy individuals, or government officials.
“Too often in Liberia we have developed a dangerous mentality that only a certain group of people are responsible for giving,” she said. “But that is not how nations are built.”
She stressed that giving should not be measured only in financial terms but also in acts of kindness, mentorship, and community support.
“Giving is not limited to money,” she said. “Giving can be care. Giving can be kindness. Giving can be time. Giving can be guidance and advice.”
She illustrated the concept by highlighting everyday examples of generosity within communities: a woman sharing food with a neighbor’s child, a young mentor guiding girls in her community, or a teacher investing knowledge into the next generation.
“These are the small but powerful acts that strengthen society,” she noted.
Citing a well-known African proverb, Brumskine emphasized the importance of community solidarity.
“I am because we are,” she said. “When we care for each other, we strengthen our communities. When we strengthen our communities, we strengthen our nation.”
The keynote speaker also addressed what she described as a troubling trend among some women who undermine or compete destructively with one another.
“Too many women thrive on bringing each other down for no reason,” she cautioned. “By bringing your sister down you will not lift yourself up.”
Brumskine praised Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie for inviting her to deliver the keynote address despite political differences—an act she said demonstrated leadership that places national interest above partisan considerations.
“Under the typical Liberian political framework, I should not be the keynote speaker for the government’s International Women’s Day program,” she said. “But the minister chose to look beyond party lines and put Liberia first.”
She described such openness as a model of the type of leadership needed to promote unity and development.
“If we decide to open the door behind us for another woman to come in—if we sometimes step back so another woman can step forward—Liberia will develop,” she said.
Brumskine further underscored the economic importance of empowering women.
Quoting data from the World Bank, she said countries that increase women’s participation in the workforce can grow their economies by as much as 20 percent.
Studies also show that when women control income, they reinvest up to 90 percent of it into their families and communities.
Despite these facts, she noted that women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across much of Africa.
Still, she said African women continue to break barriers, pointing to notable examples including Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
She also highlighted Liberia’s own milestones, including the historic presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, as well as the leadership roles currently held by Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Liberian National Bar Association President Cllr. F. Juah Lawson.
But Brumskine warned that women entering positions of authority must strive to transform leadership culture rather than replicate existing problems.
“Women must not simply enter politics and replicate the worst behaviors we have sometimes seen,” she said. “We must bring integrity where there is corruption, collaboration where there is division, and service where there is selfishness.”
Reflecting on her own journey in public life, Brumskine said she has sought to contribute to society through mentorship, education, and employment opportunities.
“I give through mentorship, guiding young women and men who seek direction,” she said. “I give as a law professor, helping shape the minds of future lawyers who will defend justice in our nation.”
She added that citizens do not need titles or wealth to make meaningful contributions.
“You don’t have to be a professor to teach. You don’t have to be a lawyer to employ. You don’t have to be a politician to lead,” she said.
Brumskine encouraged women to invest more intentionally in mentoring younger generations and creating supportive environments for girls.
“Our young people are watching us,” she said. “They are learning from the examples we set.”
Addressing young women directly, she urged them to pursue leadership roles with confidence and preparation.
“Do not allow anyone to define the limits of your dreams,” she said. “Dream boldly. Prepare diligently. And when the opportunity comes—step forward.”
She reflected on her own decision to enter Liberia’s political arena in 2023, describing it as one of the most meaningful choices of her life.
However, she reminded aspiring leaders that public service must be grounded in responsibility rather than personal ambition.
“Leadership is not about power,” she said. “Leadership is about responsibility. It is about giving more than you take.”
Brumskine concluded her address with three key messages for Liberians.
First, she said, every woman has something valuable to contribute to society regardless of her circumstances.
Second, Liberia’s future will not be built by government alone but by citizens who choose service over complaint.
Finally, she stressed that when Liberian women unite, support one another, and lead with integrity, they become a powerful force for national transformation.
“When women give their best to society,” she said, “nations gain their brightest future.”
The event formed part of Liberia’s broader commemoration of International Women’s Day, a global observance celebrating women’s achievements while advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
Brumskine ended her remarks with a message of encouragement and unity.
“When Liberian women rise together,” she said, “there is no limit to what our nation can achieve.”
“Happy International Women’s Day,” she concluded. “I thank you.”