International Women’s Day

Time: 3.00pm

Distinguished Members of the Fourth Estate;

Our esteemed Development Partners;

Officials of Government,

Staff members of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, our listening Audience,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

Let me use this time to firstly appreciate you all for honoring our invitation as we gear towards this year’s celebration of the International Women’s Day, a global campaign commemorated every year in the month of March, highlighting the amazing social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women, while also campaigning for greater progress towards gender equality at all levels.

Kindly join me as we observe a moment of silence for women and girls who lost their lives as a result of violence, referencing Watta Sheriff, 27, who recently died due to severe wounds from an acid attack by her ex-boyfriend.

(Thank you)

Distinguished Members of the Media, the Month of March is being historically recognized as Women’s Month, thus promoting activities and advocacies that exclusively focus on women’s agenda and a way forward in tackling women’s issues and how to empower them in the coming years.

On Friday, March 8, 2024, Liberia will join the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD).

The International Women’s Day (IWD) grew out of efforts in the early 20th century to promote women’s rights, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. This is a Moment for every woman regardless of our political affiliation, tribal background, social and economic status.

As a member state, we recognize the global theme for as: “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress” while Liberia commemorates under a National Theme: “Empower Her, Empower All.” Although women’s equality has made positive gains, the world is still unequal, there is still need to focus and redirect our attention on areas that require action such as women’s social, economic and political participation and empowerment. Significantly, a collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women’s Day impactful.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the celebration and activities commemorating this year’s IWD cannot be overemphasized as it brings together “WOMEN CHANGE MAKERS” from diverse backgrounds to dialogue on a way forward in promoting women’s empowerment in all sectors.

Fellow Liberians, the world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. UN Women Global has warned that if current trends continue, more than 342 million women and girls could be living in extreme poverty by 2030. To confront these challenges and ensure women’s needs and priorities are considered, we must prioritize gender-responsive financing and increase public spending on essential services and social protection for women.

This bold approach, ladies and gentlemen of the media, needs a robust and innovative way in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of providing women and girls with equal access to economic empowerment, as well as involving them in decision-making processes.

Fellow Liberians, members of the PRESS, evidently, there are multiple obstacles that prevent women from breaking these barriers of financial opportunities. This calls for collaborative efforts amongst state and non-state actors as well as local and international partners, particularly those in the business of attracting economic opportunities for women, girls and other marginalized groups. Our efforts must transcend political boundaries.

Today, women earn 23% less than men globally, while at the same time, women occupy only 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide. 1 in 3 women have experienced physical/sexual violence. At this point, not one country can claim to have achieved gender equality because these multiple obstacles remain unchanged in laws and in cultures. Therefore, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is making a rallying call for action.

Fellow Liberians, members of the media, as we come to another IWD celebration, under a new governance structure, we want to reiterate that the women of Liberia are in full readiness to heighten the campaign of women’s rights for generational equity, by determining new ways in which innovative action can remove barriers and fast-track programs for gender equality.

Therefore, the International Women’s Day creates an opportunity for women to come out and compel the world and its surroundings to recognize these inequalities as well as celebrate the achievements of women who have overcome these barriers.

Color For The OCCASION

We also like to inform the public the colors for IWD are Purple, Green and White. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity & Peace. This year, for the purpose of unifying our women, we will commemorate in dominant WHITE. That is, Liberia’s official color for the IWD.

Distinguished members of the media, the overall objective of this year’s IWD is to leverage on the existing investment opportunities for women and girls, and to create an enabling environment to enhance women’s access to financial, socio-economic and political inclusion into national development. Additionally, the day creates a platform for heightening efforts that seek to discover additional empowerment opportunities for women and girls, and the promotion of gender equality, as well as rallying support to increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles in governance and at all levels.

Fellow Liberians, Our goal during these periods of commemorating the Month of MARCH is to increase women’s economic opportunity by supporting and creating avenues that help women access low-interest loans from financial institutions and to be able to control their own incomes. A growing body of research shows that enhancing women’s economic participation improves national economies, increases household productivity and living standards, enhances the wellbeing of children with positive long term impacts and can increase women’s agency and overall empowerment.

Activities of the 2024 IWD

Once again, on Friday, March 8, the IWD celebration will begin with a grand parade led by the Ministry of Gender and supported by Heads of Government Ministries and Agencies including Members of the Donor Community, Diplomatic Corps and CSOs. The parade will begin from the SKD Boulevard Junction to the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town beginning at 9:00AM.

The parade will be followed by a Networking and Health Screening session from 9:30 to 10:30AM in the compound of the Ministerial Complex after which an official Indoor Program would be held in the Theatre of the EJS Ministerial Complex commencing at 11:00am.

We also want to thank our development partners, Civil Society Organizations, and the Women of Liberia for their overwhelming support and renewed commitment to support in this endeavor. Let us continue this important work together transcending political boundaries for a Liberia where equality and justice prevail.

Thank You!

Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie

M I N I S T E R