MONROVIA – Unarguably, the only Liberian political party that has taken gender parity and women representation beyond lip service, celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 29 with a grand outdoor program marked by extravagant cultural displays and attended by Liberty Party male stalwarts including Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, party stalwart Jacob Smith, among others, where Political Leader Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence honored the women of her party, noting that without their undying resilience and fighting spirit, the Liberty Party would have amounted to nothing, especially those turbulent times when the party was divided and split beyond redemption.
Making the disclosure when she honored women political trailblazers and others that she considered grassroots women who fought to get the Liberty Party where it is today, LP Political Leader Lawrence expressed happiness over the fact her party is no longer mentioned when it comes to division.
“I am very happy that at the Liberty Party, we no longer mention division. This is the only party that fought, split and came back together. So, all of us are leaders for the fact that we brought ourselves back together and we are becoming even stronger than before,” the Liberty Party Political Leader stated at the jam-packed event that included stalwarts of the Liberty Party and other political institutions.
“I am not here to make a speech, but I am here for our women, especially for many years, women were not heard of on the political stage. Today, we can look back to say we have the first female president. Today we have Ma Lorpu, one of the panelists, who now has the confidence to sit on the stage and educate us about what they are doing. That is inspiring and motivating.
“We have strong women in the Liberty Party who have worked very hard over the years and as the Political Leader, today I want to honor some of our women for being committed, devoted, patient, resilient, hard work and everything that we’ve done to bring our party back and make it even stronger. But we want to say thank you to Senator Dillon, Hon. Jacob Smith and the men who are behind us. We should honor them because to have a party where the political leader is a woman, the party chair is a woman, the advisory council chair is a woman, and in the executive council you have about 50% women, it’s because the men allowed that, and they support us to the fullest. So, we say thank you to the men.
“We are here to honor women in two categories. Women in the front, political women, women who have worked hard, committed to the party long term, we will honor them today. And we have grassroot women in the Liberty Party who have worked very hard, very committed, very devoted to this party to get us to where we are today. When we were in our crisis, our women worked, our women prayed, our women fasted. Now, we have come together. They are driving the activities at the party,” Political Leader Lawrence said.
Among the political women stalwarts that PL Lawrence honored were Julia Russell, Chairlady for the LP Women Congress; Assistant Minister Henrietta Barry, Chairperson of LP Women Congress; Pricilla Cooper, Representative of Montserrado County District #5; Deputy Postal Affairs Minister Jenebba Paasewe; LP USA Women Congress, represented by Beatrice Gray & Vero Zongo, Chair for Women Congress; Cllr. Kuku Dorbor; LP Women Congress Liberia; Senator Clarice Jah; Cllr. Charlyn Brumskine-Dennis, and Rugie Barry, LP National Chair, Montserrado County District #1 Representative.
Those honored for the LP grassroot women with plaque and a token of enveloped cash prize included Semalie Willie, Lucy Gibson, Josephine David, Annie Zogbo, Hawa Sheriff, Ma Peterma, Hannah Gardee, Rebecca Morgan, Julia Zogbo, among others.
Accelerating Actions to Unlock Rights, Power, Opportunities for Women & Girls
Proffering introductory remarks during the program, LP National Chairperson Rugie Barry noted her deep sense of gratitude on the occasion marking the conclusion of International Women’s Month 2025- a time dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience and unwavering contributions of women across Liberia and the world.
The LP Chairperson, reflecting on the occasion’s theme: “Accelerating Actions to Unlock Rights, Power, and Opportunities for Women and Girls,” said the moment calls for bold action, and is a reminder that progress cannot wait, and equality cannot be postponed.
“Throughout this month, we have reflected on the triumphs and challenges that women continue to face in their pursuit of equality, justice, and empowerment.
“We must accelerate actions to unlock rights by ensuring that our laws and policies promote gender equality, protect women from violence and discrimination, and guarantee access to education, healthcare, and Justice. Women’s rights are human rights, and in a democratic society, no woman should be denied the dignity and freedom she deserves.
“We must accelerate actions to unlock power by increasing women’s participation in leadership and decision-making at all levels-whether in government, business, or community leadership. Women have long proven their ability to lead with vision, integrity, and compassion. Our party remains committed to advocating for gender balance in governance, because when women lead, societies prosper.
“We must accelerate actions to unlock opportunities by investing in women’s economic empowerment. Women entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators are the backbone of our economy. It is time to break down barriers that limit access to financial resources, education, and mentorship. Every girl must grow up knowing that her dreams are valid, her skills are valuable, and her future is limitless.
“As a party, the Liberty Party remains steadfast in its belief that no nation can truly prosper unless it invests in its women; ensuring their rights, providing opportunities, and fostering an environment where they can thrive without fear or limitation.
“I want to emphasize that women are not just participants in national development; we are leaders, innovators and nation-builders. We acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Women in Liberia continue to face challenges such as gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to leadership opportunities. These are not just women’s issues; they are national issues that demand the commitment of every one of us.
“We will continue to champion policies that uplift women and girls, because we understand that the progress of any nation depends on the progress of its women.
“As we close this International Women month, let this not be the end of our advocacy. Let it be a renewal of our commitment to ensuring that the rights, dignity and dreams of women remain at the forefront of our national agenda.
“To the women of Liberia, I say: Keep striving, keep leading, and keep inspiring. Your strength is the foundation upon which our nation stands. The Liberty Party stands with you-today and always,” Chairperson Barry said.
Guest Speaker Mrs. Laura T. Korvah, President of the National Young Women Political Council Of Liberia (NYWPCL) and the main organizer of the National Young Women Leaders Conference (NYWLC), for her part noted that the topic, “Accelerating Actions to Unlock Rights, Power and Opportunities for Women and Girls” was very important and personal to her.
“To be able to unlock potential, unlock rights, there are two major things I want to talk about today; two major people that I want to address today.
“Firstly, over the years, Liberia has made notable strides in promoting gender equality. We have seen women rise to influential positions in politics, business and civil society. Women have led movements, shift policies and champion change. However, despite these achievements, many challenges persist.
“Women and girls continue to face challenges in accessing education, economic opportunities and political representation. Gender-based violence remains a significant threat, and the fight for equal pay, fair treatment and inclusion in decision making is ongoing. If we are truly to accelerate actions, we must not only acknowledge these challenges but also work collectively to overcome them,” she said, reflecting further on what needs to be done.
Strengthening legal and policy reforms, she said, is the way forward, taking into the role of the nation’s elected officials.
“You see, political parties are not just there to let the people vote for leaders. Our political parties are key to transforming the country. People that are selected, placed in government positions, where do they come from? Political Parties. If a political party wins an election, they scout out potential people from their party to represent, to lead the country. It is important that those that are elected and selected also focus on the policies that will protect and promote the lives of the common people that elected them.
“In strengthening legal reforms and policies, there are a lot of things on the book right now when it comes to women empowerment. We are talking about gender parity; we’re talking about the 30% female representation on political parties’ tickets. I want to use this medium to appeal to leader of the Liberty Party to make sure that Bil is passed; to make sure they use their influence in the House to pass the Bill, and that everything works well, so that next election, we will see more women candidates on the ticket of political parties and that is definitely possible.
“Our leaders are responsible to make sure that the citizens have good education. Our leaders are responsible to make sure healthcare is accessible to all, and that is your part in the country, that’s why you were elected.
“The people here today should not just be used as a tool for your campaigns. The people here today should not just be used to mobilize. As leader, do what you can do to influence policies; do what you can do to make sure that women in the rural areas have access to safe birth, that women in the rural areas have access to economic resources. I am encouraging political leaders here present to use your office to improve the lives of the citizens.
“And I move on to the next point. Also, to the people that elect the leaders. Most of the time we talk about how our leaders are not doing their part. As we celebrate this International Women’s Day, my question to the women, are we ready to accelerate action?
“If we are ready to accelerate action, there are a couple of things we must do. We must prepare ourselves. We must invest in education, which is very important. We cannot say we want to be in a political party and hold a position after our party wins the election, but you do not prioritize education. You are not educated, what can you do even if your party wins. They will go look out different places for other people. So, sometimes you cannot hold your lawmaker responsible for not putting you in offices. You who are working in the field, what are you doing to empower yourself? What are you learning that when your party wins election, they will hold your hands and carry you there? Most times we stay in the communities and say our lawmakers are not doing this, our lawmakers are not doing that. But are you equipped?
“This is the time, women, that we be more serious than ever before. Empower yourself. Be ready for the change that you want. Education is one.
“We must also be prepared economically. Invest in yourself. We cannot depend on the government and our political leaders every time. There is just one person, over a thousand people coming every day, and you will expect them to always be in the mood to help. Sometimes we carry bad news, but we the people must be intentional about what we want.
“A country cannot truly progress if half of its population is economically disadvantaged. Women must have access to capital, training, marketing opportunities, investing in women entrepreneurism, vocational training programs and financial literacy will create a stronger and more resilient economy. I sat in my seat and was very excited when Hon. Rugie Barry talked about the vocational training program that is about to start. This is how it should be with political parties. Build the capacities of your people so that tomorrow when you are looking for manpower, you will not look elsewhere. And I hope that members of the Liberty Party will take advantage of this, you will be serious and intentional about this and make the most out of this.
“There are a couple of things that women need. Education and digital inclusion. Technology plays a major part. How can we access online training and mentorship as compared to our counterparts in other countries?” she wondered rhetorically.
Panel Discussions
The program was crowned with the panel discussion that was moderated by acclaimed female broadcaster, presenter and disc jockey, Grace Hawa Weah, aka Master Queen. The discussants included Attorney Brahm S. Dorko of the CMB Law Group; Madam Joyce Kilikpo, Founder, Executive Director of the Public Health Initiative Liberia (PHIL); Kebbeh Monger, National President of the Liberia National Rural Women Structure; Madam Marpu Coker, Caterer; and Josephine Kolubah, Founder of JoJo House.
Providing their perspectives on the occasion’s theme, Josephine Kolubah, Founder of JoJo House, when quizzed on how did entrepreneurship empower her, and how can it be used as a tool for women across and in Liberia, said entrepreneurship gives her the platform to express herself and her passion as a humanitarian and a businesswoman.
“As a Lofa county girl from Yeala District I was raised with the idea of business because that’s what I saw my mother doing during my childhood. So, entrepreneurship is like a part of who I am. And it helps me a lot in my work with disadvantaged youths. As entrepreneurs, we must help to solve the problems of the country even if we are part of the cause of the problem. Profits from business go to my rehabilitation center,” JoJo said.
As for Madam Joyce Kilikpo, when quizzed about the lessons she learned from addressing gender-based violence and harmful practice like the FGM, noted that one the greatest lessons she learned is that the subject is of a health concern for all Liberians.
“SGBV concerns everyone of us, and there is something, individually, collectively we do about it. In 2007 I worked with MSF Belgium and saw children abused from 5 months upwards, and I wondered whether there was a community-based awareness about sexual gender-based violence. It was that need that led us to where we are, to save lives. And this called for being around the table to make decisions to save lives. Over the years, working with different organizations, I saw that there weren’t local voices around the table, only mainly international development partners that were driving actions in the health sector. So, I said no, we must do something,” she said.
Madam Kebbeh Monger, National President of the Liberia National Rural Women Structure, when asked about the biggest challenges faced with rural women in accessing their rights when it comes to leadership, noted that women everywhere have challenges in all spheres of life.
“But it’s left to the leadership to mitigate those challenges. I always talk with my rural women and make peace where there are problems. The leadership must be proactive,” she said.
As for Attorney Dorko, when quizzed about how she navigates being a lawyer and a businesswoman, she admitted that the process is difficult, but one must have resilience to persevere.
“Navigating through the legal sector and business is difficult and I always believe that your why will determine your output. Some days you will not sleep, sometimes you just will not be yourself. But you must be able to push through the challenges, especially if you want to be successful tomorrow.
Speaking further, when asked about how access to justice unlocks a lot of things, she said, when women and girls know that they have access to justice, when they know they have access to free and fair trials at the court, “they become powerful, they learn how to protect themselves.”
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