MONROVIA, The right to basic and quality education for all of its citizens has been acknowledged and actualized by the Government of Liberia (GOL) through its National Policy on Free and Compulsory Primary Education for every Liberian child, which was launched earlier this year.
Graduates along with Sekou Konneh, executive dir., SMWF, Bantie Brownell-Forschner, Program Manager Measuagon, Inc and Emily Peal
BFF, LET Empower Liberian Women
Published: 26 November, 2008
The Better Future Foundation, Inc. (BFF), in collaboration with Liberian Education Trust (LET), has completed a six-month basic literacy program for 80 women.
Discussing a Need to Respect, Uphold and Protect Women's Rights
Published: 26 November, 2008
Let's stop violence against women
MONROVIA, As we all join in the fight against gender-based violence, Women & Family (W&F) says the way forward is respecting, upholding and protecting the rights of women at all levels.
80 Grassroot Women Graduate from BFF
Published: 21 November, 2008
Some of the prospective graduates
Better Future Foundation, Inc. (BFF), which subscribes among other things to promoting human resource development in Liberia, will this weekend graduate 80 grassroot women from a basic literacy program in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
After the Colloquium; What Next?
Published: 19 November, 2008
MONROVIA, Well, organizers of the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security say Angie Brooks International Center for Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development is the answer.
(L-R): Mrs. Neh Dukuly Tolber, Liberia's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China; Col oquium Manager Yvette Chesson-Wureh; Foreign Minister Olubanke-King Akerele; and Gender Minister Varbah Gayflor
After the Colloquium; What Next?
Published: 19 November, 2008
MONROVIA, Well, organizers of the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security say Angie Brooks International Center for Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development is the answer.
After the Colloquium; What Next?
Published: 19 November, 2008
MONROVIA, Well, organizers of the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security say Angie Brooks International Center for Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development is the answer.
After the Colloquium; What Next?
Published: 19 November, 2008
MONROVIA, Well, organizers of the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security say Angie Brooks International Center for Women's Empowerment and Leadership Development is the answer.
‘More Women for Top Posts’
Published: 13 November, 2008
Dr. Allen: 'We are implementing reforms’
MONROVIA, The Director-General of the Civil Service Agency, Dr. C. William Allen, says his agency is working with the Ministry of Gender and Development to bring more qualified women to top-level management positions in the Civil Service.
Women Groups Split over Rape Case
Published: 12 November, 2008
Gender and Development Minister Varbah Gayflor
MONROVIA, The atmosphere at Temple of Justice in Monrovia yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, 2008, became tense when two groups of women staged a peaceful demonstration against an alleged rapist, Nathaniel Wilson.
Reflecting on Key Roles Played by Women in Resolving the Liberian Conflict
Published: 05 November, 2008
MOTHER MARY N. BROWNELL Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, It may be recalled that scores of Liberian women and girls were subjected to gang-rape and other violent crimes during the 14-year brutal conflict in Liberia. Hundreds of these women were either being used as 'sex slaves', as cooks for the fighters or even tortured, being forced to cook and eat human parts.
Prez Sirleaf Is 70 Yrs Young Today…
Published: 29 October, 2008
MONROVIA, </b>Apparently most Liberians, especially young Liberian women and girls, were not aware that today marks the 70th birth anniversary of their President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. You could see signs of surprises and shocks on the faces of scores of young Liberian women interviewed by Women & Family (W&F) upon hearing that today marks the three score and 10 birthday of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. They, however, expressed joy; shouting at the peak of their voices “happy birthday!” They described President Johnson Sirleaf as a “strong, powerful, influential and energetic” woman who every Liberian woman “must” see as a role model.
Nimba Women Hail President Sirleaf
Published: 24 October, 2008
Mrs. Esther L. Dahn, president of Concerned Women in Liberia
The women of Nimba County have hailed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her outstanding contribution toward the empowerment of women through the construction of market buildings across the country and for many other arrangements she has been making on behalf of the Liberian people, especially the women.
Partial view of the Field Worshipers of the Women in Peace Building Network (WIPNET)
Impact of Liberian War on Women/Girls
Published: 22 October, 2008
Gender Minister Varbah Gayflor (left) in a chat with Dr. Awori minutes before the program began
MONROVIA, A latest research conducted by ISIS-WICCE, a Ugandan-based women organization, in four of Liberia's 15 counties including Lofa, Maryland, Grand Kru and Bong cataloged sexual torture experienced by women in the country during the armed conflict.
Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele sheds tears as survivors narrate their stories
‘Women Have Been Excluded’
Published: 21 October, 2008
MONROVIA, Latest research released by an international women's group, ISIS-WICCE, shows that women have been excluded from the reconstruction and rehabilitation process of Liberia.
Prez Sirleaf Receives Int'l Women's Award
Published: 15 October, 2008
One of the world's largest micro-financing groups based in the United States, the Women's Opportunity Network, has awarded President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf the 2008 International Women's Leadership Award.
Miss Malaika delegates in a cultural dance featuring mud-cloth outfits
Liberian Women & Fashion: The Miss Malaika Experience
Published: 08 October, 2008
A cultural crowd uniquely attired in African customs with a real Pan African spirit gathered at the Unity Conference Center (UCC) on Saturday (October 4, 2008) to celebrate true beauty of African origin. The hall was completely designed with African fabrics depicting the fact that the event was indeed Pan African gathering. Filled with passion for culture the colorful gathering, excepting just a few, was elegantly dressed in various African outfits, ranging from woodin, bazin, lace, mud cloth, linen and African wax, with their heads beautifully tied with one-piece scarves.
As women's political leadership continues to lag behind all other gender equality indicators, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and President Tarja Halonen, the President of Finland, have undertaken to host a colloquium to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Mrs. Gbango Sumo with one of the surgeons from MercyShips
MONROVIA, Fistula remains one of life-threatening diseases for women. It makes a woman to be completely isolated from others. Worst of all, most victims of fistula are often abandoned by their husbands, relatives and other community members.
The Plight of HIV/AIDS Affected Women
Published: 24 September, 2008
LIWEN's Chairperson Warner: ‘We are not interested in Micro Credit’
The faces of scores of Liberian women currently nursing the Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are beaming with smiles as their hopes have been restored through efforts of the Ministry of Gender and Development together with other partners, NGOs.
The Woes of “Barren” Safiatou
Published: 17 September, 2008
The focus of Women & Family's (W&F) today will stress the need to put an end to domestic violence in our various communities and society at large. One of the common ills in African and other societies is violence, especially domestic violence against women. It is an ill that is totally unacceptable as every woman deserves a peaceful life - a life in which domestic or gender-based violence would not be an impediment to her advancement and happiness.
SWAA-Liberia Intensifies AIDS Campaign
Published: 16 September, 2008
The Executive Director of the Society for Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA-Liberia), Precious Dennis-Mitchell, has disclosed that her organization is engaged in sensitizing people of HIV/AIDS as well as conducting workshops in Ganta, Nimba County.
AIDS Women Face Starvation
Published: 10 September, 2008
LIWEN Lovetta Warner: “The first medicine for HIV is food”
MONROVIA, Scores of aggrieved women, currently infected with Human Immune Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the country, have been painstakingly narrating the difficulties, excruciating pains and mental agonies they face as a result of the ailment.
Women Storm Capitol Building
Published: 05 September, 2008
Senator Jewel Howard being honored with a certificate
A cross-section of Bong County women residing in the Samuel K. Doe Community on Bushrod Island, outside Monrovia, stormed Capitol Building yesterday to heap pounds of praises and appreciation on Bong County Senior Senator Jewel Howard Taylor for rendition of services and provision of education for mankind.
Justice Denied Rape Victims Blamed on Court System
Published: 03 September, 2008
Min Gayflor: 'We need a court system that expedites rape cases' Photo by A. M. Johnson
MONROVIA, Gender and Development Minister Varbah Gayflor has blamed the court system in the country for the denial of justice to victims of rape, which is considered a capital offense in the Republic.
Last week, we discussed in detail the need to talk with our youth and educate them about sex to afford them the opportunity to make better choices concerning their future. Clearly, the prescription of Sex Education (Sex Ed) for youth may have high prospects for the future. But ensuring the future means understanding our past and harnessing hope for the journey ahead. It must be acknowledged that there must have been something to be achieved by parents not talking to their children about sex.
Publish GBV Issues Every Day
Published: 26 August, 2008
MONROVIA, An Associate Professor from the Northeastern University in Boston, United States of America, Dr Robin Chandler, who is visiting the country, has advised the management of the Daily Observer newspaper to publish stories on Gender-based Violence that are taking place in all parts of the country every day.
MONROVIA, When it comes to sex education or talking about sex, a subject that seems so delicate in most African societies, parents usually shy away for traditional, dogmatic or plain old superstitious reasons. Lots of them, especially mothers, are of the notion that discussing sexual matters with their teenagers is a 'big taboo'.
ABOVE: Some of the women working on the field as W&F Fatoumata Fofana engaged them in separate interviews BELOW: Others actively working on the BRE Rubber Plantation
Liberian Women in Agriculture
Published: 13 August, 2008
MONROVIA, They feed us by growing what we eat. They grow the cassava, plantains, okra, bitters ball, which we buy on our local market for our daily meals. Day in day out, Liberian women, especially those in the rural parts of the country, are immensely contributing to the socio-cultural and economic development of their households, communities and societies at large. Our women must be commended and, their energetic, tremendous and tireless efforts acknowledged.
Market Women and Micro Loans
Published: 06 August, 2008
Dr. Thelma Awori: '….Market women deserve to have a good place to work in'
Well, let's find out. Many women, especially our rural/market women around the country have constantly asked as to whether micro loans or credits were the answer to their problems. “Can micro credit actually help in reducing poverty?” they always ask rhetorically.
Gender Advocate Abhors Exploitation in Schools
Published: 30 July, 2008
Mrs. Howard
A gender advocate working on girls' education in the country has decried the alarming rate of sexual and other exploitations as well as lowering standards in Liberian schools.
Patricia Wesley: ‘My poetry writing happens by inspiration’ Photo by Wyne Jabbeh
Liberian Women and the Issue of Time
Published: 30 July, 2008
A philosopher once said, “time waits for no man.” Others consider time as 'man's worst enemy' because it is just not an easy task to turn back the clock of time. And this is where the sayings, “if I knew; had I known”, begin to step in.
Dr. Lily Sanvee: A Seasoned Medical Doctor
Published: 23 July, 2008
A professional Liberian medical doctor, Dr. Lily M. Sanvee
A professional Liberian medical doctor, Dr. Lily M. Sanvee, has to her credit several years of experience in general surgery at both domestic and international levels.
African Women in Their Societies
Published: 16 July, 2008
Among the majority of rural and low-income urban dwellers, women perform all domestic tasks, while many also farm and trade. They are responsible for the care of children, the sick and the elderly, in addition to performing essential social functions within their communities. They seek to manage the environment, although their struggle for survival often results in environmental damage from activities such as fuel-wood collection.
Mrs. Shana Swiss, (l) Director of Women's Rights International speaks to repoters
Women's Groups Host Sensitization Program
Published: 15 July, 2008
MONROVIA, Women's Rights International (USA) and Voices in Empowering Women in Liberia, under the auspices of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC), at a program held at the Centennial Pavilion, depicted the suffering and maltreatment of Liberian women during the civil conflict.
Liberian Diaspora Women Hold Development Confab
Published: 25 June, 2008
Liberian Diaspora women's active participation in peace-building and developments in their country cannot be overemphasized, speakers agreed recently at a conference held in the Dutch city of Delft.
Female student pregnancy is a cancer which is fast eating into the fabric of the Liberian society arising from many factors, among them the exploitation and abuse of female students by teachers and school administrators.
Massa Cousli and Lusu Sloan, Liberian market women represented their industry at the celebration in New York City
SMWF “Friend-raiser”: A Celebration of Liberian Market Women
Published: 11 June, 2008
A multicultural crowd clad in both Western and African attire gathered with one philanthropic spirit, on June 4, to join President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in her campaign to support Liberia's market women, through President Sirleaf's Market Women's Fund (SMWF), to rebuild their lives after 14 years of war.
Women and Security Identify Major Challenges
Published: 10 June, 2008
Women leaders and security officials in Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties have identified major challenges in the counties as seductive dress code of girls and women in their communities.
Ellen Honors Liberian Market Women in the US
Published: 04 June, 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will today, arrive in New York City, United States of America, from Tokyo, Japan, to pay tribute to Liberian market women and the extraordinary role African women play in economic development by launching the Sirleaf Market Women's Fund's (SMWF) Adopt-a-Market Campaign.
Teenage pregnancy can be defined as 'babies having babies', referring to the existence of a fertilized fetus in girls aged between 13 and 17. Globally established norms have an age threshold at 18 years, at which time young people enter adulthood. In this connection, though females aged 18 and 19 are still technically teenagers, they are yet considered adults by international convention, with a statutory level of responsibility for themselves, their actions and their legal attachments.
LIHEDE Proposes a Resource Center for Liberian Women
Published: 03 June, 2008
Dr. Somah, LIHEDE Executive Director Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, The executive director for the Liberian History, Education and Development (LIHEDE), Dr. Syrulwa Somah, has proposed to the Liberia Government and other women groups the opening of a National Center for Women Studies in the country.
Massa Cousli and Lusu Sloan will represent the Liberian market women at the SMWF fundraiser
New York Fund Raiser for Liberian Market Women
Published: 03 June, 2008
MONROVIA, A team of Liberian market women left the country yesterday to attend a fund-raising rally in New York, USA, aimed at mobilizing additional funds for the implementation of the Sirleaf Market Women Fund (SMWF). Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, are expected to be special guests at the fund launching.
Mabel Flomo, Gender and Education Officer of FAWE lecturing at the LET/FAWE workshop as participants listen attentively
Female Students End Career Workshop
Published: 02 June, 2008
A two-day workshop on career development for female students on the scholarship program for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) has ended at the conference room of the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in oldest Congo Town outside Monrovia.
A Win for the Women of Liberia
Published: 30 May, 2008
Since the successful prosecution of a rapist in Kakata, Margibi County, at the end of March 2008, the number of rape cases brought to the police and ARC Liberia in Kakata has noticeably declined. The case, which involved a 52-year-old perpetrator and a 12-year-old survivor, was successfully prosecuted thanks to a partnership between the local law enforcement and justice systems, the American Refugee Committee (ARC), and FIND, with the support of the American government.
President Sirleaf presented a gift by organizers of the Symposium
Ellen Addresses Girl's Education Symposium
Published: 28 May, 2008
On the eve of the formal opening of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says the achievement of gender equality and parity must start with the girl child, who has been left behind in receiving the education that is required for competing and contributing to Africa's development.
Women and Security Groups Emphasize Training on Dialogue
Published: 23 May, 2008
ANPPCAN Manager Winford
Women groups from Grand Gedeh and Nimba counties will join security officers in two counties to be part of a one-week training program aimed at finding strategies on how to dialogue and settle issues that are related to Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in those counties.
Spain-Africa Int'l Roundtable on ‘Women for a Better World’
Published: 21 May, 2008
Women groups and accredited representatives in the areas of politics, education, culture, provision of basic social services, the economy, the media, international relations and social movements, on May 12 to 13, 2008, gathered in Niamey (Niger) to deliberate on key issues affecting the socio-economic and political advancement of women.
Pres. Sirleaf received by Pres. Tandja upon arrival
3rd Spain-Africa Int'l Confab Held
Published: 15 May, 2008
NIGER, Women members and accredited representatives in the areas of politics, education, among many others, in May 12 and 13, 2008, gathered at the Third Meeting of African and Spanish Women conference held in Niamey with the sole aim of giving continuity and adherence to the commitments and advances arising from the Mozambique and Madrid Declarations on Women and Development.
Rape Awareness Campaign Launched in Buchanan
Published: 08 May, 2008
Madam Ellen M. Löj
The Head of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Madam Ellen M. Löj, has pledged UN support to the Government of Liberia (GOL) and people in the fight against all forms of Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV), especially rape.
Marriage, Household & Women's Welfare…
Published: 07 May, 2008
Studies have shown that about 75 per cent of young women and girls in Africa are married by ages 15 to 18 and one in three women is in a polygamous marriage.
Vice-President Joseph N. Boakai Photo by Alaskai Moore Johnson
MONROVIA, Vice-President Joseph N. Boakai has stated that the pains and agony women experience on a daily basis, be it domestic or gender-based violence, call for the most urgent need to protect them, adding: “Their need is safety”.
US$19,000 Earmarked for Women Confab
Published: 05 May, 2008
MONROVIA, Madam Varbah K. Gayflor, Liberia's Gender and Development Minister, says the United Nations Development program (UNDP) in Liberia, other major partners and support groups and all stakeholders have earmarked about US$19,000 for the National Women Conference slated for Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, 2008.
African Women Must Redefine Their Rights
Published: 01 May, 2008
Deputy Minister Elizabeth Hoff
Media women across the continent of Africa have been challenged to redefine the rights and problems of educated and uneducated women who are experiencing all forms of marginalization when it comes to governance, leadership and decision-making.
