-Says the youth can only achieve their potentials in the presence of peace
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Angie Brooks International Center for Women Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security through it flag-ship program the Women Situation Room WSR has called for a perpetual peace in Liberia, says women and youth can only realize their potential in the presence of peace and security.
Amplifying their call, ABIC on the eve of elections day, Monday, October 9, 2023, initiated a one day pre-election women peace walk, cautioning Liberian to above all maintain the peace and security of the nation as they cast their ballot.
The march which brought together women and youth from all sectors was used as an admonishment to women and youth that they are the chief patrons of peace and must not allow themselves to be used to instigate violence.
Meanwhile, during the march, women and youth sang songs that sent messages of peace to all Liberian as they marched from Broad street to Foreign Affairs. “We want peace, not war. Liberia is above individual interest. A better future for our children depends on the peace we have, so give us peace.” the women chanted.
Delivering a peace remark at the march, the establisher of the Angie Brooks International Center and initiator of the women situation room, Cllr. Dr. Evette ChersonWureh stated that pre-election women peace march signified the unwavering commitment women have to the future of Liberia, as the march was done with heavy heart.
“Today, as we gather here in the heart of Monrovia, Liberia, for this pre-election
Women’s Peace March, we do so with heavy hearts, yet with an unwavering
commitment to the future of our beloved nation,” Cllr. Wureh stated
She said that the road to the moment has been marked by challenges and tribulations because over the past weeks, the nation witnessed electoral violence that has shaken the very core of its democracy.”
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However, she stated that the women of Liberia have refused to be defined by violence, fear, or division. She adds that the gathering is because women know that the nation deserves better and the people deserve better. Therefore, she said the pre-election women peace march is to demand an end to
the violence that has marred the campaign period.
“The women of Liberia refuse to be defined by violence, fear, or division. We are here today because we know that our nation deserves better. Our people deserve better. We are here to demand an end to the violence that has marred this campaign period.”
The initiator of the women situation room further stated that their demand is not just for themselves, but for every Liberian, especially the youth who dream of a brighter future.
“We stand here today as mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends, to say that enough is enough. Our children must not grow up in a nation where the ballot is stained with blood.”
At the same time, she asserted that there is a deep-seated insecurity that has plagued the country. “The distrust of security forces being impartial is a valid concern that all citizens must address.” She further called upon law enforcement agencies to stand above partisanship and uphold their duty to protect every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation.
She adds that their message to leaders, both current and aspiring, is that: Liberia’s future depends on their commitment to peace. With this, she urged everyone to prioritize the well-being of the nation over personal gain or political victory.
“We recognize the deep-seated insecurity that has plagued our country. The distrust of security forces being impartial is a valid concern that we, as citizens, must address. We call upon our law enforcement agencies to rise above partisanship and uphold their duty to protect every citizen, regardless of their
political affiliation. To our fellow citizens, we say, let us not be divided by the colors of our political flags but united by the colors of our flag, the red, white, and blue that symbolize our nation’s unity, peace, and hope.”
Cllr. Dr. Wureh continued that women unity march sends a powerful message to the world and show that the women of Liberia are the guardians of peace, the bearers of hope, and the architects of change. She states that women refuse to accept the status quo, and are determined to reshape nation’s destiny.
“Let this Women’s Peace March be a testament to our unwavering resolve.
Let it echo through the corridors of power and reach the hearts of every Liberian. Let it serve as a beacon of hope that lights the path towards peaceful elections and a brighter future.” The ABIC establisher said.
In conclusion, she said that Liberia does not stand alone in the comity of nations as their sisters from Africa countries are here going with the women in upholding the peace.
“Together, we can and will overcome the challenges that stand in our way.
Together, we can and will build a Liberia where peace and unity reign supreme.
Together, we can and will fulfill the promise of a nation that stands as a beacon of hope for all,” She concluded.
The Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC), is an outcome of the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security held in 2009 in Monrovia, Liberia. The event was co-convened by President Tarja Halone of Finland and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia.
