Monrovia – A group of astute women who thrived to ensure during Liberia’s civil war to ensure that peace returned to the country have had a reunion in Monrovia to commemorate their struggle for peace.
At an elaborate ceremony held at Bella Casa on August 18, the women under the auspices of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) brought the women who risked their lives advocating for peace during the regime of former President Charles Taylor together to share their experiences and tell their stories.
The program was a feminist lecture series dubbed “Her Story”.
During the event, the women screened the Pray The Devi Back to Hell, a movie that shows how they as women struggled and dared the devil in ensuring that peace returns to Liberia.
The wives of various presidential candidates participating in the upcoming elections were invited to the program to whom they presented the Liberian Women Vision for Peace.
As part of the women’s vision, they hoped that Liberia would a place where collective ownership, patriotism and increased solidarity will be the hallmark.
They envisage a society where an enabling environment will be created for citizens to be actively involved in the development process irrespective of social and economic status.
The women want a society where the youths will be considered stakeholders in issues that affect the society and their opinions will be respected and regarded.
A society where the basic needs of all will be met and children and women will be protected during armed conflicts.
A society where women will be given a chance to participate in decision making in society, especially as it relates to conflict resolution and peacebuilding based on their respective qualifications and women’s roles and efforts in the nation building process will be respected and appreciated.
A society where structures would be put in place to constructively address community and national conflicts.
“We believe that our vision cannot be realized without God’s blessings and inspiration and without the collective efforts of every Liberian.
“We are, therefore, calling on all peace loving citizens of this land given to us by God to join hands in making this vision a reality,” they asserted.
Their vision for peace was received by Mrs. Teresa Cummings on behalf of the wives of presidential candidates and assured the women that she would work with them to ensure that peace is sustained.