“WOMEN AND YOUTH GROUPS PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN LIBERIA’S DEVELOPMENT” EX-PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF EMPHASIZES
March 6, 2025
Monrovia: Former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has reemphasized the crucial role youth and women groups, as well civic and political leaders play in the development of the county.
Serving as Keynote speaker at the democracy summit, Ex-President Johnson-Sirleaf highlighted wars happening currently, noting that while Liberia and other African countries have also been at war, women and children suffer the most.
She called on the Government of Liberia to give more support to women and youths across to empower them to effectively participate in developmental activities that will contribute to nation building.
“Our past reminds us of both our potential and responsibilities, yes! We can achieve great things together, but we each of us must do our part, demonstrating that we have the homegrown capabilities to take on the much-needed responsibilities for our own development,” the former President said.
She urged Liberia to view global, regional, and continental issues as opportunities to redesign and enhance Liberia’s approach to development, combat corruption, and uphold the rule of law.
According to her, the ambitious Supreme Court ruling has derailed peaceful resolutions, despite efforts from ECOWAS and other diplomatic interventions adding that the weakened legislative oversight resulting from partisan legislative actions has led to the misappropriation of national resources in favor of accumulating power. “There is no doubt that the world is at a crossroad”.
Madam Johnson-Sirleaf is Liberia’s 24th President and Africa’s first elected female head of State, known as the Iron Lady of Africa. She used the occasion to warn the ruling government of the dangers of leading Liberia toward a failed state if care not taken.
Also making remarks, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Aliou Dia said the Government of Liberia has made significant strides promoting women’s participation in governance, but more is needed to ensure lasting progress.
UNDP Rep encouraged all stakeholders to work together to strengthen policies that create an enabling environment for women ranging from local Governance to national leadership.
The two-day Summit is being funded by the Sweden Embassy of in Monrovia and organized by Naymote-Liberia aimed at continuing critical dialogue on sustaining Liberia’s democracy where stakeholders can collaboratively address challenges and formulate actionable recommendations to advance Liberia’s democratic transition.
This program marks the second edition of the Democracy and Political Accountability Summit under the theme, “Exploring Pathways for Sustainable Democracy and Inclusive Development in Liberia.” focusing on open Governance and Citizens Participation in building a better Liberia for all.
Special guests attending the opening ceremony included the Ambassador of Ireland to Liberia, the Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia, the European Union Ambassador in Liberia, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UNDP resident representative, a Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) representative, government officials, and others.
