MONROVIA, LIBERIA-UN Women Representative Comfort Lamptey is calling for more budgetary support towards women empowerment in Liberia.

Madam Lamptey said:” Capturing women’s investment in the National Budget will go a long way in enhancing their quality of life.”

Quoting available statistics, the UN Country Representative added that more women are now known to be living in poverty than men.

She said:” The Government of Liberia should demonstrate a strong political will by supporting organizations that support women through empowerment opportunities.

Madam Lamptey told a well-attended Women’s Day celebration in Monrovia on Friday, March 8, 2024, that it is a hard time that partners redouble their efforts in supporting programs tailored for Liberian women.

At the same time, the Liberian First Lady Katumu Boakai has lauded Women’s Rights Campaigners for standing up for women in the Country.

First Lady Boakai said:” The role they played has opened up the eyes of Liberian women to many governance issues that were once considered things of men.

Madam Boakai particularly praised former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Leyma Gbowie for setting the bar high and being inspirational to thousands of others.

She assured women in the Country of the Government’s commitment to providing opportunities to improve their livelihood.

Madam Katumu Boakai added that the Government of Liberia has already begun taking crucial steps with the quality appointments, particularly women in the new administration.

Also speaking at the program, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, has challenged Liberian women to take the lead and empower their voices.

Ambassador Nkrumah said:” Conversations on issues women face daily will be perpetual if women do not spring into action and put an end to challenges confronting them.”

Ambassador Nkrumah conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, to the women of Liberia for playing a key role in keeping the peace.

She said International Women’s Day should not only be used to amplify women’s voices but every day to end vices that hinder gender equality.

Ambassador Nkrumah encouraged all women to go back into history and reflect on the positive roles women played in Pan-Africanism.

For her part, Gender Minister Gbemee Horace-Kollie has recognized women’s efforts in the maintenance of the Country’s peace.

Madam Horace-Kollie said:” Over the years women across Liberia have fought and continue to work in the furtherance of peace and democracy.”

The Gender Boss also called on women to continue demonstrating a high level of consistency and commitment to elevating women’s issues and challenges.

She noted that with a unified voice, women can demand solutions to problems confronting them daily.

International Women’s Day is being celebrated under the national theme: “Empower Her, Empower All.”

By: Francis Pelenah/Varflay Kamara/Vasta Tarlue