Liberian Culture Ambassador Juli Endee has emphasized the need for the inclusion of women mainly traditional women in the local governance structure of Liberia.
Ambassador Endee said traditional women can do better when they are made Clan Chiefs, Paramount Chiefs Town Chiefs, and other local government positions.
The Executive Director of the Liberia Crusaders for Peace added that though there are gains made in women’s participation, more needs to be done to increase the voice of women in the decision-making processes of the country.
Madam Endee is at the same time calling for microloans and economic empowerment opportunities for women within the Mano River Basin of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
She was speaking Thursday as a panelist at Liberia’s side event of the United Nations’ 65th session of the commission on the status of women (CSW 65) held at the ministerial complex in Congo Town.
Other speakers on the Panel included Rivercess County Representative Rossana Shacks, Margaret Naigha, and Broadcast Journalist Eva Flomo.
Also speaking, UN Women Country Representative to Liberia called on Political Parties to propagate the protocols on violence against women in politics.
Madam Marie Goreth Nizigama said political parties must demonstrate their commitment to women empowerment by endorsing women candidates in all political processes.
Madam Nizigama maintained that those protocols must also take into consideration, zero tolerance for violence, discrimination, and abuse of women and girls.
The program was held under the theme, the Liberian experience: women sharing experience in innovative ways of addressing violence against women and girls in achieving gender equality.
On the Policy front, Liberia’s Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister Williameta Saydee-Tarr wants Government to demonstrate a stern commitment to promoting women’s participation and political rights.
Madam Saydee-Tarr said despite all current challenges, issues affecting women, girls, and children remain a top priority for the Government of Liberia.
Madam Saydee- Tarr reemphasized Government’s stance in preventing and responding adequately to violence against women, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.