Monrovia – The African Women Summit (AWS), Liberia Chapter, officially launched its Liberian Chapter over the weekend with a fundraising dinner and the installation of officers at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor. The event attracted dignitaries, well-wishers, and supporters who contributed to the cause.
By Mae Azango [email protected]
Leeneh Kiazai-Martins provided an overview of the African Women Summit, stating that the Summit was created to uplift women, promote positive dialogue exchanges, and build vibrant connections to find lasting solutions to issues affecting African women. She recounted the challenges faced when Liberian women were initially unrepresented at the African Women Summit in Rwanda due to a lack of funding. Despite this setback, she raised the Liberian flag at the cultural festival, symbolizing the nation’s presence.
“After the cultural festival, I was pondering why our women were not represented and then I received a call from the Liberian team. They told me they had sent out communications to raise money for tickets to attend the event but could not gather enough funds,” she said. Upon returning to Liberia, Kiazai-Martins and her team established an acting leadership and began planning fundraising activities to attend the upcoming summit in South Africa. Although a food sale was organized to raise money, it was not enough to cover the expenses for ten attendees.
“Madam Kebbeh Kortue was able to finance her trip to South Africa, and we helped support her journey, leaving us with only US$500.90. Fortunately, Mr. Balima asked me to recommend someone to serve as President of AWS in Liberia, and I recommended Madam Kebbeh Kortue, who had attended at least two AWS conferences outside of Liberia,” she explained.
Madam MacDella Cooper, Political Advisor to President Joseph N. Boakai, delivered the keynote address on behalf of First Lady Kartumu Boakai. She emphasized that the Liberian Chapter should focus on maternal health, disability education, and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).
“Mental health needs our attention, especially the issue of drugs among women and girls. Disadvantaged young women face immense challenges, so we must ensure they receive the care, support, and advocacy needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives,” Madam Cooper stated. “Girls’ education and disability education are paramount for change and must be inclusive. Girls living with disabilities often encounter barriers that hinder their access to education. We must advocate for female students living with disabilities.”
She urged AWS to advocate for the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to establish rehabilitation pathways for drug users and to address the root causes of SGBV, which remains a significant risk factor for mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, and suicide.
AWS Liberia Chapter President Kebbeh Kortue outlined the Chapter’s goals: empowerment through education and training, advocacy and policy influence, networking and collaboration, and community engagement and social responsibility.
“I stand before you today as the President of the newly launched African Women Summit, Liberia Chapter. Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards empowerment, equality, and the celebration of the remarkable achievements of African women across the continent. As we launch this Liberian Chapter, I call upon each one of you to join us in this mission. Let us work together to create an environment where every African woman has the opportunity to thrive. Let us support and uplift each other, recognizing that our strength lies in our unity,” she said.
Sis. Mary Lauren Browne, who served as the installing officer, expressed her sadness upon learning that Liberian women struggled to find funding to attend the AWS outside Liberia, leading to the establishment of the Liberia Chapter.
“Liberia has produced many great women, like former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Angie Brooks, head of the UN General Assembly, and Dr. Mary Antoinette Browne Sherman, the first female President of the University of Liberia. Those of you here tonight should take the message that Liberian women are visible and can take the international and national stage,” she said.
Those inducted include Kebbeh Maryeaheh Kortue as president; Linda Karim as vice president; Miatta Gray as project director; Raphealyn C.N. Bomosy-Forkpa as account manager; Humphereretta Reid as secretary; Racheal Doemah as assistant secretary; Cllr. Abla Gadegbeku-Williams and Atty. Evelyn Berry as legal advisors; and Oretha Bundoo Seh as public relations officer.
