-WomenVoices’ 15-Year Struggle for Liberian Women
By The Editorial Board
There is a painful irony in watching a woman rise on the shoulders of those who lifted her, only to refuse to lift another. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly enshrined March 8th as International Women’s Day—a global recognition of the historic struggle for women’s rights and lives. For nearly five decades, this day has referenced both our progress and our shortcomings.
For the past fifteen years, WomenVoices Newspaper has not just observed this day; we have lived it, breathing life into the voices of Liberian women through the ink of our publication everyday. This year, the global theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates with a particular nightmare that has plugged the essence of women’s solidarity for years. Liberia’s version of this year’s theme, “Give to Gain: Support Women for National Development,” urges us to move beyond symbolic recognition toward tangible empowerment.
But as we celebrate our 15th anniversary tomorrow, (Established March 10, 2011) we are compelled to ask a difficult question: When you are the beneficiary of the ladder, why do you refuse to hold it steady for the next woman climbing behind you? This brings us to an uncomfortable hypocrisy that we can no longer ignore. For a decade and a half, we have been the megaphone for women’s voices in a media landscape dominated by male-led narratives.
We have featured women from all walks of life, from market sellers to ministers. We have championed their causes, promoted their platforms, and defended their honor. Yet, the roof we have tried to build over their heads is leaking because the very hands we sought to shelter are the ones poking holes in it. We have made it our mission to ensure that no woman’s story goes untold. However, we have noticed a disheartening trend of ingratitude.
Many of the women we advocate for treat this platform as a one-way street—a place to take visibility but not to give support. They are like the guest who eats the food but curses the cook. Since our inception, we have highlighted the struggles and achievements of powerful women, from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to women legislators and cabinet ministers.
We placed them on a pedestal, celebrated their wins, and defended their integrity.
But in return, we have received the cold shoulder. Despite being the face of our paper, we have never received tangible support from Madam Sirleaf. Same with other women whose stories we tell almost every day. Time and again, we see these same women running to male-dominated newspapers, paying for pictorial contracts, purchasing advertisements, and buying multiple copies. Yet, when it comes to WomenVoices—their own voice—they are conspicuously absent.
In an August 2024 Internews-GeoPoll survey, we were recognized among the nation’s notable newspapers, with a recorded readership of approximately 64,000. Since then, we have aggressively expanded our digital footprint to meet our audience where they are.
Today, we are a full-fledged digital media house with an effective website, a thriving Facebook page, and a WhatsApp channel connecting us directly to thousands of followers every day.
All articles published on our website are syndicated through the Phoenix Browser app, a platform with over 100 million monthly active users and more than 400 million downloads. This partnership ensures that the stories of Liberian women are shared on an international stage.
As we build our influence, we are struggling to build our home. WomenVoices is one of the few—if not the only—media organizations in Liberia currently constructing its own permanent headquarters. The building has been roofed and awaits final finishing touches. However, this project has stalled far longer than anticipated due to the same lack of institutional and financial support we continually strive to overcome.
This struggle unfolds even though potential women are knowledgeable of the paper’s existence. We feature women’s stories on our front page free of charge, while men are billed for the same coverage. This policy is a deliberate investment in gender equity. Yet, the women we uplift do not always invest in us.
This disconnect is most painful when we look at the women in power. Liberia has 11 female legislators, including Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence. While we consistently and prominently feature her work, she has never engaged us, not even for a nominal $50 publication contract. This pattern is repeated with most of the other female lawmakers and dozens of women in top executive positions.
We follow their work, report on their initiatives, and provide them with free press because we believe in their leadership. But they often behave as if they are unaware of our existence. When their achievements are featured in our paper for free, they rarely share the publication. Yet, when the same individuals are featured in other media outlets, they share it in a jiffy.
This hypocrisy is contagious. The younger generation of women watches this and learns that supporting a women-led media house isn’t important. They are learning ingratitude from the very people who should be modeling solidarity. It is unfair to run to the men for survival while prioritizing women for free.
You may think you have read enough until you read WomenVoices-Representative Barry’s encounter.
In 2024. Honorable Rugie Barry, the Representative for Electoral District #1, Montserrado County took legal action against us over a publication. Her legal counsel demanded an immediate retraction of allegations regarding an alleged bribe. We complied.
We gave the retraction the same prominence as the original story because we believe in fairness.
But here is the hypocrisy that baffles us: We were never contacted, thanked, or supported when we were featuring her before her election. We published her platform, sold her candidacy, and helped amplify her message to the masses—all for free. We continued to cover her legislative work long after the legal dispute.
But the calls only came when we were perceived as a threat. We were treated not as a partner, but as a pawn. The Bible asks in Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” How can we walk together when you only acknowledge our existence when you need a retraction, but ignore us when we need your support?
However, while the majority have turned their backs, a few have stood with us. We would be remiss not to acknowledge the lifelines thrown to us by institutions that understand the value of a free press and women’s voices. UNDP, UN Women, Plan International, Liberia Crusaders for Peace, the Angie Brooks International Centre (ABIC), and The Carter Center have not just offered platitudes; they have offered partnerships.
Through their consistent advertisements and support, they have recognized that advertising is the lifeblood of a newspaper. They have kept the heart of WomenVoices beating. We also extend our profound gratitude to individuals like former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, Ambassador Juli Endee, and Counsellor Dr. Yvette Chesson-Wureh. These women have not only lent their names to the cause but have given their resources—financial assistance, opportunities, and unwavering moral support.
They understand that “a river that forgets its source will surely dry up.” To the women of Liberia, we say this with love and frustration: “Charity begins at home”. However, it should not end there. You cannot chant “women o women” at formal events while refusing to support the very platforms that give you a voice. You cannot talk about inclusion while excluding the only newspaper dedicated to your inclusion.
To our readers, to the women in power, and to the aspiring leaders: We are not asking for a handout. Give us pictorial and live coverage contracts for your major events. Place advertisements in our pages. If you can pay male-owned papers, why not pay the one that carries your face? Buy a copy. It costs just $LRD40, but it sustains a lot. Even a “thank you” costs nothing but means everything.
As we mark a significant milestone—our 15th anniversary—we recognize that this journey, though filled with challenges, has been defined by resilience and dedication. At the helm of our operations is our dynamic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Mrs. Helen Nah Sammie. A visionary leader with a results-driven approach, her tireless efforts and strategic direction have propelled the newspaper’s growth and amplified its impact across communities.
Working closely alongside Mrs. Sammie is our Sub-Editor, Jerromie S. Walters, whose editorial insight and steadfast dedication continue to be invaluable assets to our team—truly beyond words. Behind the stories that inform, inspire, and resonate deeply with our readers are the talented reporters who form the backbone of our newsroom: Sampat Kpakima, Jessica Cox, and Vaye A. Lepolu, along with our dedicated Nimba County Correspondent. Together, they bring curiosity, courage, and clarity to the narratives that shape public discourse and drive meaningful change.
As we celebrate 15 years of lifting women’s voices, we remain committed to our mission. But we remind you that ingratitude is the thief of progress. If we are to truly “Give to Gain,” let us give respect, support, and recognition to those who have given us a platform.
We have the platform. We have the audience—strong and growing. We have a global reach through our internet presence and Phoenix Browser.
We are building an office that will stand as a testament to women’s progress in Liberia. But we cannot finish it alone. To the women in power: We are your original copy. We amplify you for free. The least you can do is give us a contract, sponsor an edition, or share our work. Support the institution that supports you.
Happy 15th Anniversary to us. The work continues.
