President Weah Launches Liberian Women’s Manifesto, Calling for All Hands On Deck Approach
Monrovia, Liberia - At the programs commemorating International Women’s Day this year, President George Manneh Weah challenged Liberian women to adopt an “all hands on deck” approach in combating sexual gender-based violence and other issues affecting their wellbeing.
On Friday, March 6, 2020, President Weah reminded the hundreds of Liberian women who had gathered for the event at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town that it was in their greater interest and common good to unite not only in advocating for women’s rights but also in confronting societal ills.
“If you want to succeed in this advocacy, it must be all women and all stakeholders, and just not few women involved,” the President emphasized.
The Feminist-In-Chief, who was nicknamed, “Bad Men’s Medicine” by Liberian women for his uncompromising stance against gender inequality and violence against women, recognized International Women’s Day held annually on March 8 as a time to recognize women’s accomplishments and their rights in order to give them the prominence so deserved.
President Weah spoke of a litany of positive actions his administration has taken since taking office to provide greater space and opportunities for women to realize their dreams.
“With actions and deeds under my leadership, as Feminist-in-Chief, my government has been able to provide and accelerate the passing of legislations in support of this global cause,” President recounted.
He named some of the positive actions as the passing of the Domestic Violence Act, appointment of women to leadership positions in several areas of government as a way of giving them equal opportunities and empowerment.
Despite these accomplishments, the Feminist-in-Chief told the gathering of women that much more is needed to be done to ensure that everyone woman is given a space.
The President used the occasion to once more reaffirm his government’s commitment to ensuring the attainment of every goal women seek to earn.
President informed the gathering that as symbolic manifestation and recognition of his administration’s strong support to women’s rights, he has issued a proclamation declaring Monday, March 10 as International Women’s Day to be celebrated as public holiday.
Meanwhile, President Weah has launched the 2nd Edition of the Liberian Women’s Manifesto which details women’s quests for action relating to their growth and improvement.
He said: “I personally congratulate the many participants who ensured the accomplishment of this work. It not only chronicled what has been done; it is also a catalyst of what is to be done.”
President Weah called on all government actors and other stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the women manifesto to the fullest.
This year’s International Women’s Day 2020 is being held under the international theme: “I am Generation Equality; Realizing Women’s Rights”, as well as the domestic theme: “Women’s Right for Generational Equality.”
