Monica Geingos emphasized the need for women’s political representation during the celebration of the EJS Centre’s fifth anniversary in Liberia. The event featured high-profile dignitaries and highlighted the urgency for socio-economic empowerment of women. Geingos called for a collective effort to close leadership gaps and the establishment of female leaders in Africa. The initiative Musiehjah was also launched in honor of women’s contributions to societal changes.
Monica Geingos, former First Lady and current chairperson of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development, emphasized the imperative for increased political representation for women during the recent fifth anniversary celebrations of the EJS Centre in Monrovia, Liberia. This significant event was attended by numerous high-profile dignitaries and was marked by the launch of the GapZero Manifesto on Gender Equality in Public Leadership, leading up to the official anniversary on International Women’s Day, March 8.
Notable attendees at the event included EJS Centre founder Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. In her address, Geingos underscored how historical contexts affect contemporary struggles for equality, remarking on the frustrations of the younger population regarding current inequalities.
“Our past is intertwined, and the fight for liberty relies on institutions. Institutions are run by people, and the innate minds of people run institutions,” she stated. Geingos further noted the urgency felt among the youth regarding present social issues, particularly those surrounding gender equality: “Young women are fed up with older women who they feel conform too easily.”
She also highlighted the significance of political representation, asserting, “Politics decides who gets what, and when. Political representation of women is key.” Geingos called for greater economic inclusion for women, stressing that economic independence is essential for political empowerment.
Johnson Sirleaf took the opportunity to launch Musiehjah, an initiative celebrating African women’s contributions to societal change and rights advocacy. She advocated for the election of five female presidents across the continent in the next decade, citing Namibia’s progress towards this goal. The event concluded with a commitment to addressing leadership disparities and advancing gender equality in all spheres.
Monica Geingos’ address at the EJS Centre’s fifth anniversary celebration highlighted the necessity of women’s political representation and the interconnectedness of past and present struggles for equality. She articulated a vision for women’s active involvement in politics and the economy as vital to overcoming structural inequalities. The event underscored a collective commitment to addressing leadership gaps and promoting gender equality across Africa.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
