Doloquee
In a powerful display of unity and determination, Liberian women gathered at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Friday for a peace forum organized by the renowned Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA). At the center of the event was former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Addressing a diverse audience of men and women, Madam Sirleaf called for inclusivity and fairness within Liberia’s election commission. Her words resonated with the crowd as she emphasized the critical role that both genders play in upholding the sanctity of the democratic process. “We want men and women on the commission to know that they have a sacred duty to our country and its people to make sure that the process enables everybody to have a freedom of choice,” she affirmed.
Drawing from her own experiences and the history of Liberian women, Madam Sirleaf reminded everyone of the immense contributions made by women in the nation’s development. “Throughout our history, women have made a difference,” she declared, recounting the pivotal role women played during her trial and the war period when Leymah Gbowee united women to support the Accra Peace Accord.
Emphasizing the constitution’s call for a “free and fair” process, the former president ardently expressed her desire for a safe and inclusive voting environment where every citizen could freely cast their ballots according to their conscience. She stressed the significance of peace and civility in fostering mutual respect and constructive dialogue, thereby preventing tensions from escalating in society.
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The GPFA peace forum served as a rallying point for women to strengthen their collective efforts and understanding of the electoral process. It encouraged them to support each other in making informed decisions while also urging leaders and institutions to abide by the Constitution and uphold the principles of democracy.
In her closing remarks, Madam Sirleaf left the audience with a sense of empowerment and hope. “It is a collective effort, a genuine effort for women to know what the process is, to encourage each other to do the right thing, and to call upon our leaders and institutions to do the right thing,” she asserted.
The event’s significance reverberated beyond the borders of Liberia, capturing the attention of the international community. The dedication shown by the Liberian women to safeguarding the democratic process and ensuring free and fair elections left an indelible mark, inspiring hope for a brighter and more equitable future.
