-As Liberia Marks 179th Independence
By SHALLON S. GONLOR
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Women and grassroots advocates in Nimba County are pressing the government to move beyond symbolic ceremonies and deliver tangible development that transforms the daily lives of ordinary citizens, as Liberia prepares to celebrate 179 years of independence.
At a women’s forum Wednesday in Ganta City, thousands of participants declared that “179 years of independence should be measured not only by celebration, but by meaningful and sustainable development.” The gathering brought together women leaders, single mothers, civil society advocates, and community organizations who called for urgent action on poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and crumbling public services.
The women argued that while Liberia has made notable democratic strides since 1847, the country’s persistent socioeconomic gaps undermine the very promise of nationhood. True independence, they said, must be reflected in better living standards, economic opportunity, quality education, accessible healthcare, reliable electricity, and robust infrastructure.
With thousands of Liberian women depending on farming, petty trading, and informal businesses to support their families, participants stressed the need for practical economic empowerment over political rhetoric. They called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s administration and development partners to expand access to affordable credit, vocational training, agricultural inputs, market facilities, and business development programs.
“Women remain the backbone of Liberia’s local economy, particularly in rural communities,” several speakers noted, pointing to the critical role women play in food production, small enterprise, and community welfare despite limited financial support.
Civil society leaders at the forum also advocated for a “new civic awakening,” urging both officials and citizens to embrace accountability, transparency, patriotism, and responsible leadership as foundations of sustainable development. They insisted that Independence Day should serve as a moment for national reflection and renewed commitment—not merely speeches and ceremonies.
According to the women, thousands of Liberian families continue to endure rising living costs, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, poor schools, and limited social protection, with many struggling daily to afford food and basic necessities.
“The true meaning of independence is reflected in the well-being of the people,” participants emphasized, adding that progress must be measured by improvements in citizens’ quality of life.
They urged the government to significantly increase investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, road infrastructure, electricity, sanitation, youth empowerment, and job creation—sectors they described as critical to reducing poverty, strengthening food security, and building a resilient economy.
The women also called for business-friendly policies that promote entrepreneurship, support small and medium-sized enterprises, improve rural road connectivity, expand electricity access, and stimulate agricultural productivity across all fifteen counties. They stressed that equitable distribution of national resources is essential to prevent rural communities from being left behind.
Several single mothers expressed hope that national leaders would move beyond campaign promises and implement practical development programs that benefit all Liberians, regardless of political affiliation, gender, or geographic location.
As the nation marks another milestone, the women urged Liberians to embrace unity, peace, reconciliation, and active civic participation while calling on leaders to pursue policies that promote inclusive economic prosperity, social justice, and sustainable development.
Liberia declared its independence on July 26, 1847, becoming Africa’s oldest continuously independent republic. This year’s official celebration will be hosted in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, with government officials, citizens, development partners, and diaspora members expected to attend.
The celebration is being observed under the national theme: “Strengthening National Identity Through Liberian-led Historical Leadership,” which emphasizes preserving Liberia’s heritage while encouraging citizens to take greater ownership of the country’s development agenda.
For many Liberians, however, the anniversary represents more than a commemoration of sovereignty. It offers a timely opportunity to reflect on achievements, assess remaining challenges, and renew a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Liberia for future generations.
