MONROVIA – Former Liberian Cultural Ambassador Juli Endee has inspired Liberian women to take bold and decisive steps towards achieving their goals in the Liberian society and the world at large.
By Obediah Johnson
Ambassador Endee observed that women owe themselves a life of progress, purpose, and productivity as the world remains willing to adjust when they (women) finally decide to move.
She made these comments when she delivered the keynote address at the induction ceremony of the International Association of World Peace Advocates held in Monrovia over the week end.
Ambassador Endee emphasized that women were not created to live inside the boundaries of other people’s expectations.
According to her, women were created to grow, move, rise, and boldly write their own stories, and break every chain of fear holding them back.
She encouraged women to stop peeping into other people’s scripts to decide their next move.
“Don’t wait for permission to become who you were meant to be. Your journey begins the moment you choose courage over fear. Your life is not a rehearsal for someone else’s approval. Take that bold step. Make that decisive move. Start that dream and speak that vision,” she stated.
Ambassador Endee observed that the fear women carry all the time, including some men, has a way of putting invisible chains on their dreams.
She reminded women that the more they worry about what people will say, the more they unknowingly hand over the control of their life to them. “When you live your life through the approval of others, your progress becomes slow, your dreams become silent, and your destiny begins to wait for permission that will never truly come,” she added.
Ambassador Endee called on her female counterparts to bear in mind that great moves are never made by people who are afraid of whispers, criticism, or opinions.
She maintained that people who change their lives are those who dare to step forward even when the crowd is watching, the voices are loud and the path is uncertain.
She used the occasion to call for meaningful actions to be taken towards the strengthening of access to justice for all women and girls in Liberia.
Ambassador Endee said justice must be accessible, fair, and responsive for every woman to know that her rights are protected, and every girl must grow up knowing that her voice matters.
She disclosed that access to justice means protection from violence and discrimination enshrined in the United Nations Resolution 1325, equal opportunities in education and leadership, fair representation within institutions, and legal systems that uphold dignity and equality.
She observed that when justice becomes accessible to women and girls, societies become more inclusive, more stable, and more prosperous.
Ambassador Endee said advancing the rights and opportunities of women is not the responsibility of women alone.
She added that it requires partnership between governments, civil society, faith institutions, cultural leaders, and the international community.
Ambassador Endee further called for the empowerment of women and girls across Liberia.
She observed that empowering women and girls strengthens not only families and institutions, but also the cultural foundations of peace.
She maintained that investing in women strengthens economies, improves governance, and promotes sustainable development. “When women are empowered, communities prosper and nations advance. As we commemorate International Women’s Day, let us remember a simple but powerful truth: a society that uplifts women uplifts humanity. When women are protected, families are strengthened.
When women are educated, communities are transformed,” she added.
Ambassador Endee stressed that nations would rise when women are empowered.
She, however, underscored the need for a renew commitment to build a world where justice is accessible, opportunities are equal, and the voices of women and girls are heard, respected, and valued.
She said the future of peace, dignity, and sustainable development—cannot be achieved without the leadership, wisdom, and strength of women.
Ambassador Endee pointed out that evidence from around the world has consistently shown that peace processes are more sustainable when women are actively involved.
According to her, women bring perspectives rooted in community well-being, reconciliation, and long-term stability. She observed that in Liberia, history reflects this truth as women continue to play a vital role in advocating for peace and national healing during some of most difficult moments in the country.
Ambassador Endee said women’s courage helped open the door for dialogue and reconciliation in Liberia.
She maintained that this experience affirms an important lesson for the world; adding that, “when women are included, peace becomes stronger and more enduring.”
As the Secretary General of the Liberia Mass Action for Peace and erstwhile Ambassador of Culture, Ambassador Endee emphasized that culture is a powerful bridge that connects people and strengthens social harmony.
She pointed out that culture teaches respect, responsibility and values that hold societies together.
She added that through music, storytelling, traditional practices, and the arts, women have passed down principles that shape future generations. “Women are the custodians of culture, ensuring that our shared values of unity, compassion, and mutual respect continue to guide our communities,” she maintained.
At the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Kamah Gueh-Thoronka was inducted as Peace Ambassador, while Lahoucine Rahmouni, Minister Plenipotentiary and Charge D’Affaires , Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco was awarded as a lifetime global diplomat.
Ambassador Endee was also honored and certificated for her sacrificial and immense contributions towards the sustenance of peace in Liberia, empowerment and advocacy for the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls in Liberia.
