-Minister Pledges to Do Better
By Sampat JMB Kpakimah
The Representative for the United Nations seat at Democratic International and Office Assistant for the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD), Sowoe Johnson, has expressed disappointment over what she described as the lack of proper recognition of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) during the recent International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Speaking at the event, which was held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Johnson said it was unfortunate that members of the disabled community were not adequately engaged or invited to participate in the program during the planning process.
According to her, such oversight undermines the spirit of inclusion, especially during an event meant to celebrate and empower women from all sectors of society. She is therefore encouraging the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that in future programs, Persons With Disabilities are fully involved in the planning and participation process to avoid what she termed as “future embarrassment.”
Meanwhile, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie clarified what she described as a misinterpretation regarding the alleged exclusion of the disabled community. The Minister explained that Persons With Disabilities were recognized and invited to the event, adding that sign language interpreters were present throughout the program.
She further noted that representatives from the disabled community participated in the event and even took photographs with her. “Probably there might have been some misunderstanding or communication gap. Of course, we would like to understand their concerns,” the Minister said.
Minister Horace-Kollie emphasized that the Ministry remains open to recommendations and constructive feedback. “Maybe there was something we did not do right, but we will certainly review it and make improvements for the future,” she added.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, the Minister stressed that initiatives aimed at supporting women must focus on empowering and developing them.
“Invest into women they are independent they made independent decision and also contributed to national development.” stating that “There can be no progressive nation without the inclusion and empowerment of women,” she noted.
She also revealed that as part of the Ministry’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the government has planned to launch a major digital empowerment initiative that will train 25,000 Liberian women across Liberia in areas such as cybersecurity, digital media, data science, computer networking, programming, and IT operations.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), she said, will be signed this Friday, March 13, adding that the initiative is expected to target 5,000 women annually over a five-year period, equipping them with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and economic independence.
She continues when women are trained into these skills they will have the opportunity to work with Banks, phones Companies, hospital among others.
Minister Horace-Kollie continued that with the latest trend of technology taking over the world, women will have the opportunity to compete with their male counterparts and earn themselves money.
She said the skills can also enable them find jobs in the western world while they reside in their country, Liberia.
Speaking on the importance of women supporting one another, she said it is unfortunate that some women fail to support the progress of their fellow women.
According to her, if women truly want to see progress, they must learn to support each other.
“If you are making progress and I do not support you, I am taking away from myself. When you progress and I am in need, you will be in a position to help me. But if we refuse to support each other, then we achieve nothing,” she said. She added that a lack of unity among women weakens their collective voice in decision-making.
“If you don’t support me I become nothing and you are nothing then we all remain where we are because and then the men will be able to make the decision and the decision they make will affect us.” she ended
The outdoor event brought together women from diverse backgrounds, along with representatives from various ministries and agencies, local organizations, and international dignitaries.
