Plan International Recognizes Strengths of Women

-Observes International Women’s Day

By R. Joycelyn Wea

Plan International Liberia joined voices with local women groupings and the world over the weekend to commemorate the International Women’s Day thus recognizing efforts that women have made when it comes to gender equality and other practices that have over the years held women back.

March 8, each year is being observed worldwide as International Women’s Day to showcase the strength of women who had break some kinds of unjust practices against women and girls in their different societies.

The global theme was “think equal, build smart, and innovate for change” while the local theme was “This year’s theme put innovation at the forefront and women should do away with traditional things and engage in a new way of getting their aim accomplished”.

This started fifty (50) years ago when CSOs activities and Women Human Right Defenders decided to at least fight for women space.

Speaking at the event in Congo Town, Plan International Country Director, who stood in solidarity with young women and girls in Liberia who have shared their story saying “we stand here side-by-side with the men and boys of Liberia in our fight for gender equality not just in Liberia, but across the world.

“I have always believed that women rights are human rights but being in Liberia today, open my eyes and made me even more committed to what we have to do together as Plan, as government and as partners to see the change we want in Liberia,” Victoria Koiquah said.

She wants men understand that why it is true women will always show emotion, but must show emotion because they have passion and want to see change in the world.

Madam Koiquah said the day is to recognize the international strength that women around the world have adding that “if women should be liberated men need to be transformed.”

She disclosed that she is one of those strongly against Female Genital cutting because it prevents women and girls from developing and influence gender-responsive innovations to achieve transformative gains for society.

“I’m proud to be a member of Sande Society, but I say no to FGM because there are setting things in my life that have been destroyed,” she added.

She vowed to be one of the fighters of FGM in Liberia to end such ‘evil practices’ women and girls undergo in the country.

For her part, Naomi Saydee said the day is intended to celebrate the share role women around the world had played and continue to play in bringing women to the forefront saying “the challenges are numerous, but they don’t surpass one’s achievement.”

Madam Saydee said “women can do even better than what men can do but, men do not want to recognize this. We women do not need men to be successful but only need men as our partner.” TNR.