Monica Geingos, during a visit to Liberia, celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development. She underscored the need for women’s political representation and economic empowerment, emphasizing the urgency for young women’s involvement in leadership. Notable dignitaries attended, and a new initiative honoring women’s contributions to societal change was launched.
Monica Geingos, the former First Lady of Namibia and chairperson of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development (EJS Centre), emphasized the significance of women’s political representation during her visit to Monrovia, Liberia. She joined prominent figures, stakeholders, and beneficiaries to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the EJS Centre, an event that began on March 7 and culminated on International Women’s Day, March 8.
The anniversary’s official proceedings included attendance by notable dignitaries such as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria. Geingos articulated the inseparable relationship between historical context and the ongoing pursuit of equality in her address at the event.
In her remarks, Geingos noted, “Our past is intertwined, and the fight for liberty relies on institutions. Institutions are run by people, and the innate minds of people run institutions.” She pointed out that the present concerns of the youth, particularly regarding gender equality, are rooted in their impatience towards the status quo.
Furthermore, Geingos highlighted the necessity for comprehensive political representation of women, stating, “Politics decides who gets what, and when. Political representation of women is key.” She asserted that economic freedom is essential for empowering women politically and emphasized that women’s involvement in the economy is vital for funding female political campaigns.
At the event, Johnson Sirleaf introduced Musiehjah, the African Women’s House, celebrating the remarkable contributions of African women in the struggle for societal change and equality. She called for an increased presence of women in leadership, proposing, “We need five elected women presidents on the continent in the next 10 years. With Namibia’s progress, we are about to only need three.” The visit concluded with a renewed pledge to close the leadership gap and enhance gender equality.
In summary, Monica Geingos’ visit to Liberia highlighted the crucial need for women’s political representation and the interconnectedness of historical struggles for equality. The celebration of the EJS Centre’s fifth anniversary underscored the importance of not only advocating for female leadership but also ensuring economic empowerment for women. The call for a greater presence of women in leadership across Africa reinforces the urgency to address gender disparities in both political and economic realms.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
