Following her effusive commendation a fortnight ago about President George M. Weah’s appointment of women in key executive positions, former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a long-time women rights advocate under whose administration the women of Liberia witnessed landmark legislations such as the New Rape Law and the Inheritance Rights Law, says Liberia’s Chief Feminist needs to do more. Madam Sirleaf based her lukewarm assertion on the lack of a single woman in the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) roster for the upcoming by-elections, which she termed as “disappointing”.
According to an October 6, 2020 Twitter feed from former President Sirleaf, her commendation of President Weah’s recent appointment of women in executive positions is right, “but our Chief Feminist is expected to do more. The lack of a single woman in the CDC roster for the upcoming by-election is disappointing”.
Referencing former President Sirleaf’s disappointment with the CDC list of senatorial candidates which consists of an all-male lineup, the ruling party currently has 15 male candidates to run in the 15 political subdivision of Liberia.
Within the list, Mr. J. Alex Tyler represents the CDC in Bomi County; while Henry Yallah, Alfred Koiwood, Gbehzongai Findley and Victor Watson are running in Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa and Grand Cape Mount Counties respectively.
Other male candidates on the CDC ticket include Zoe Pennue of Grand Gedeh County; Peter S. Coleman of Grand Kru; George Tengbeh of Lofa; Ivar Jones of Margibi, and James Binney of Maryland County.
The rest of the CDC all-male roster of senatorial candidates includes Thomas Fallah of Montserrado County, Jeremiah K. Koung of Nimba, Dallas A. Gueh of Rivercess, Charles K. Bardyl of Rivergee County and Augustine Chea of Sinoe.
It can be recalled, President Weah on October 1, 2020 appointed eight women out of 15 names to hold top level positions in his government.
Reacting to President Weah’s landmark nominations which gave preference to females, former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf called the president’s move an encouraging progress towards gender equality in public service.
Taking to Twitter immediately following President Weah’s recent nomination, Madam Sirleaf ecstatically remarked: “Fantastic to see that over half of President George Weah’s latest appointees are women, who will be holding positions across various ministries as well as in the Juvenile Court. Encouraging progress towards gender equality in public service.”
Other Liberians at the time joined in the show of appreciation by commenting effusively on social media, heralding President Weah’s nominations as a positive step in the right direction.
“Congratulations to all the appointees. Thanks to His Excellency. Looking forward to seeing the appointment of more females in leadership positions,” said one elated Liberian.
“A great way to go Mr. President!” exclaimed another commenter.
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