Former First Lady Monica Geingos visited Liberia to celebrate the EJS Centre’s fifth anniversary, emphasizing the need for women’s political representation. The event included discussions on historical struggles for equality, youth impatience regarding gender issues, and the launch of the African Women’s House. Both Geingos and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called for increased female leadership in Africa.
Former First Lady Monica Geingos emphasized the importance of women’s political representation during a recent visit to Monrovia, Liberia. Geingos, who chairs the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development (EJS Centre), celebrated the center’s five-year anniversary with dignitaries and stakeholders. The two-day event commenced on March 7 with the GapZero Manifesto advocating gender equality in public leadership, concluding on March 8 for International Women’s Day.
The anniversary event featured notable figures including EJS Centre founder, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Geingos articulated the notion that historical context and equality movements are deeply interconnected, stating, “Our past is intertwined, and the fight for liberty relies on institutions.”
In her address, Geingos remarked on the impatience among youth regarding present inequalities, particularly in gender representation. She noted, “Young women are fed up with older women who they feel conform too easily,” highlighting the urgency for stronger political engagement.
Moreover, Geingos asserted that political representation is critical, asserting, “Politics decides who gets what, and when.” She also underscored the relationship between political and economic freedom, suggesting, “If women aren’t involved in the economy and are not able to build wealth, who will fund the campaigns of female politicians?”
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf utilized the event to launch Musiehjah, the African Women’s House, honoring women who have significantly contributed to societal change. She underscored a goal for African leadership, stating, “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 occasion concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing gender equality and bridging the leadership gap.
The visit to Liberia by former First Lady Monica Geingos underscored the crucial need for enhanced political representation of women, connecting historical struggles for equality to present-day challenges. The EJS Centre’s fifth anniversary served not only as a celebration but also as a crucial launching point for initiatives aimed at empowering women politically and economically. Both Geingos and Sirleaf highlighted the importance of women’s engagement in leadership roles and the economic foundations for achieving their representation. The discussions and messages delivered reflect a potent call to action for gender equality across the continent.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
