-At International Women’s Day Ceremony
Monrovia – Liberia Culture Icon Ambassador Juli Endee has called for women’s empowerment and access to justice.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day commemoration and induction ceremony organized by the International Association of World Peace Advocates over the weekend, she challenged women to break free from “the invisible chains of fear” and claim their rightful place as architects of peace and progress.
The event, held under the theme “Give to Gain,” witnessed the formal induction of Rev. Dr. Kamah Gueh-Thoronka as a Peace Ambassador and the conferring of the Lifetime Global Diplomat award upon Mr. Lahoucine Rahmouni, Minister Plenipotentiary and Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Before an audience that included distinguished government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, religious and traditional leaders, and representatives of civil society, Ambassador Endee began by acknowledging the weight of the moment. “It is a distinct honor for me to join you today as we commemorate International Women’s Day,” she said, extending sincere appreciation to the International Association of World Peace Advocates for “organizing this meaningful gathering that brings together leaders committed to promoting peace, justice, and human dignity.”
The Cultural Ambassador immediately established the philosophical framework for her address, declaring that “the pursuit of peace cannot be separated from the pursuit of gender equality and justice for women and girls.” Ambassador Endee grounded her remarks in the architecture of international commitments that have shaped the global agenda for women’s rights. She reminded the audience that International Women’s Day “stands as a global reminder that the advancement of women is essential to the progress of humanity.”
Citing foundational documents including the United Nations Charter, which affirms equal rights for men and women; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; and Sustainable Development Goal 5, Ambassador Endee emphasized that “women’s rights are not simply national priorities—they are global commitments.”
“These frameworks remind us that when nations signed these documents, they were not making empty promises,” she told the gathering. “They were binding themselves to a vision of humanity where no person is diminished because of gender.” In perhaps the most emotionally resonant portion of her address, Ambassador Endee turned to the psychological barriers that continue to hold women back.
“Fear—women carry it all the time, and some men also—has a way of putting invisible chains on our dreams,” she declared, her voice carrying the weight of lived experience. “The more you worry about what people will say, the more you unknowingly hand over the control of your life to them.”
The Cultural Ambassador painted a vivid picture of the cost of seeking approval: “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, “Listen carefully: great moves are never made by people who are afraid of whispers, criticism, or opinions. The people who change their lives are those who dare to step forward even when the crowd is watching, even when the voices are loud, and even when the path is uncertain.”
“You were not created to live inside the boundaries of other people’s expectations,” she continued. “You were created to grow, to move, to rise, and to boldly write your own story. Break every chain of fear holding you back. Stop peeping into other people’s scripts to decide your next move. Your life is not a rehearsal for someone else’s approval.”
Ambassador Endee sressed: “Take that bold step. Make that decisive move. Start that dream. Speak that vision. You owe yourself a life of progress, purpose, and productivity. The world will adjust when you finally decide to move.” Drawing on Liberia’s painful but instructive history, Ambassador Endee highlighted the indispensable role women have played in peacebuilding—both globally and within her own nation.
“Evidence from around the world has consistently shown that peace processes are more sustainable when women are actively involved,” she noted. “Women bring perspectives rooted in community well-being, reconciliation, and long-term stability.”
She invoked Liberia’s own experience during years of civil conflict: “In Liberia, our history reflects this truth. Women played a vital role in advocating for peace and national healing during some of our most difficult moments. Our courage helped open the door for dialogue and reconciliation.”
“This experience affirms an important lesson for the world,” Ambassador Endee emphasized. “When women are included, peace becomes stronger and more enduring.”
Liberia’s former Cultural Ambassador further noted,
“As the Secretary General of the Liberia Mass Action for Peace and erstwhile Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, I have always believed that culture is a powerful bridge that connects people and strengthens social harmony,” she said. “Culture teaches respect, responsibility, and values that hold societies together.”
She highlighted the intergenerational transmission of values through music, storytelling, and traditional practices, noting that “women play a particularly vital role in preserving these traditions. They are the custodians of culture, ensuring that our shared values of unity, compassion, and mutual respect continue to guide our communities.”
In a nod to contemporary leadership, Ambassador Endee connected these traditions to modern governance, acknowledging “trailblazer Foreign Minister of the Republic of Liberia H.E. Sara Beyslow Nyanti, who stands on Economic and Culture Diplomacy for the development of Liberia.”
“Empowering women therefore strengthens not only families and institutions, but also the cultural foundations of peace,” she concluded.
Turning to the formal theme of the gathering—ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls—Ambassador Endee called for meaningful action beyond rhetorical commitment.
“Justice must be accessible, fair, and responsive,” she insisted. “Every woman must know that her rights are protected. Every girl must grow up knowing that her voice matters.”
She outlined what genuine access to justice requires:
– Protection from violence and discrimination, citing UN Resolution 1325
– Equal opportunities in education and leadership
– Fair representation within institutions
– Legal systems that uphold dignity and equality
“When justice becomes accessible to women and girls, societies become more inclusive, more stable, and more prosperous,” she declared.
Mr. Lahoucine Rahmouni, Minister Plenipotentiary and Charge D’Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco, received the Lifetime Global Diplomat award.
“These recognitions symbolize commitment to promoting dialogue, justice, and humanitarian leadership,” Ambassador Endee said. “You now serve as voices that remind us that unity is stronger than division, and that cooperation is stronger than conflict.”
She outlined the crucial responsibilities that accompany such recognition, including supporting women’s leadership in peace processes, protecting human rights in conflict zones, advancing inclusive development to reduce inequalities, and fostering global cooperation to tackle shared threats.
“By promoting peace, you’ll help create a world where children grow up safe and educated, communities thrive without fear, and nations cooperate to address global threats,” she told the honorees.
Addressing the new Peace Ambassador directly, Endee offered words of encouragement: “Ambassador, you’re a beacon of hope. The international community stands with you as you champion peace, equality, and human dignity. Let’s build a world where everyone can live without fear, with opportunities to thrive.”
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Endee emphasized that advancing women’s rights cannot be the burden of women alone.
“It requires partnership between governments, civil society, faith institutions, cultural leaders, and the international community,” she said. “Investing in women strengthens economies, improves governance, and promotes sustainable development. When women are empowered, communities prosper and nations advance.”
Ambassador Endee called upon all present to renew their commitment to building a world where justice is accessible, opportunities are equal, and the voices of women and girls are heard, respected, and valued.
“Because the future we seek—a future of peace, dignity, and sustainable development—cannot be achieved without the leadership, wisdom, and strength of women,” she affirmed. “Together, let us move forward with courage, unity, and determination to ensure that every woman and every girl can rise to her full potential.”
She concluded with her signature call to excellence: “Good, Better, Best! Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” “Peace is not what you wish for—it is who you are, what you say, and what you do! And may peace, justice, and equality continue to guide our path forward. I Thank You!”
