Celebrating Women’s Representation: EJS Centre’s 5th Anniversary in Liberia
Monica Geingos, during the 5th anniversary of the EJS Centre in Liberia, emphasized the importance of women’s political representation and economic empowerment. She stressed that political freedom must be coupled with economic freedom and noted the urgency of action among the youth. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf launched Musiehjah to honor African women leaders and called for the election of five women presidents in the next decade.
Former First Lady Monica Geingos has advocated for enhanced political representation for women during her recent visit to Monrovia, Liberia, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development (EJS Centre). The two-day event, beginning on March 7 with the GapZero Manifesto on Gender Equality in Public Leadership, culminated in an official celebration on International Women’s Day, March 8.
The anniversary celebration included notable attendees such as EJS Centre founder Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. In her remarks, Geingos underscored the critical link between historical context and the struggle for equality, noting that the impatience among the youth and their desire for change reflects an urgent need for action.
Geingos articulated the essential nature of women’s political representation, asserting that political decisions shape resource allocation and stressing that economic empowerment is fundamental for political freedom. She highlighted that women’s participation in the economy is pivotal for funding female political campaigns and for sustainable change.
During the event, Johnson Sirleaf announced the launch of Musiehjah, the African Women’s House, which honors the courageous narratives of African women who have championed societal change, often at significant personal sacrifice. Johnson Sirleaf also advocated for the election of five female presidents across Africa within the next decade, citing the progress made in Namibia.
The event concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to bridging the leadership gap and advancing gender equality, promoting the inclusion of all women in political and economic spheres.
The anniversary celebration of the EJS Centre highlighted the pressing need for enhanced political representation and economic empowerment for women in Africa. Former First Lady Monica Geingos emphasized that true political freedom is intrinsically linked to economic participation, while Ellen Johnson Sirleaf champions the legacy of women’s leadership. Together, they foster a renewed commitment to achieving gender equality and closing the leadership gap within the continent.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
