NIMBA — Annie Wehyee has made history by becoming the first female clan chief of Sehyi Clan in Nimba County, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated society. Her rise to leadership is a powerful testament to perseverance, resilience, and the importance of women’s involvement in governance.
By: Williett Wonyenneh, contributing writer
Wehyee, who began her leadership journey as a zonal chief, later served as the town chief of Vehyipa community before taking on the role of clan chief in 2018, said her ascent wasn’t easy. “I started as a zonal chief, was promoted to town chief, and in 2018, I became the clan chief,” she said. “But my path to leadership was built through years of community service and volunteer work.”
Facing skepticism about her ability to lead as a woman, Wehyee encountered challenges along the way. However, she remained committed to her vision, relying on faith and determination to gain the trust of her people. “At the beginning, many questioned my ability to lead. But over time, I built trust with the community,” she said. “I learned to remain calm and focused, and now I can have a positive impact.”
Wehyee is a staunch advocate for women’s education and leadership. “My main goal is to ensure that children, especially girls, receive an education,” she shared. “We provide scholarships and opportunities for young women, aiming to secure a brighter future for them.” She also believes women in leadership roles bring balance and positive change. “When women lead, communities thrive,” she emphasized.
According to Wehyee, the lack of women in leadership roles at all levels of government in Nimba County is hindering the region’s growth. “If more women were given leadership roles, we would see greater development,” she said. “We need more women in positions like commissioners and superintendents.”
As the Nimba County by-elections approach, Wehyee’s message to women is clear: “We need to support one another. Women should lift each other up and show we can be powerful agents of change. The more women we have in leadership, the more we can transform our communities.”
Wehyee is also focused on fighting corruption and gender-based violence. “Corruption is a huge problem in our society, and I do not tolerate it,” she asserted. “We’re working hard to educate the community about fairness and transparency.” On gender-based violence, she is equally dedicated to eradicating it. “We’ve established community rules and penalties for those who harm others, especially women,” she added.
As the country heads into elections, Wehyee is calling for women to take action. “This is our time,” she urged. “We need to vote for women, support women, and ensure strong representation in government. Together, we can make our voices heard and bring the change we desire.”
Wehyee’s leadership is part of a broader movement of women breaking barriers across Liberia. As the country continues to face challenges in achieving gender equality in political representation, figures like Wehyee are proving that women can be effective leaders at all levels of society.
Her rise to clan chief in Nimba County is not just a personal achievement; it is a sign of the changing landscape in Liberia, where women are increasingly making their mark in leadership.
As Wehyee continues to serve her people, her story stands as an inspiration for women everywhere to pursue leadership and make a difference in their communities.
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