Senator Darbah Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County recently delivered a powerful keynote address at an event organized by the Women Non-Governmental Organizations Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL). Held over the weekend at the Lutheran Compound on 13th Street, the gathering marked the 16 Days of Activism under the theme, “Unite to End Violence against Women.”
Senator Varpilah urged the audience to reflect on Liberia’s history, acknowledge present challenges, and work towards a more inclusive future for women and girls. She emphasized the ongoing need to fight for gender equality, admitting that while progress has been made, significant barriers remain.
“We have come a long way,” said Senator Varpilah. “But the fight is not over.” She pointed to socio-economic inequalities and restrictive cultural norms as significant obstacles still limiting the potential of women and girls in Liberia.
Drawing inspiration from Liberia’s history, Senator Varpilah highlighted the role of trailblazing women such as Madam Suacoco, a Kpelle tribal leader who played a crucial role during Liberia’s annexation period. These pioneering women, she noted, laid the groundwork for the progress seen today.
The Senator focused on three key areas: reflection, assessment, and planning. She stressed the importance of advocacy in breaking down barriers that prevent the advancement of women. In assessing the current situation, she highlighted violence against women, gender inequality, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Senator Varpilah commended the work of WONGOSOL and other women’s advocacy groups to create platforms allowing women to fight for their rights and assume leadership positions.
“Their courage and resilience continue to inspire us,” said the Senator, “and it is up to us to carry that torch forward.”
Looking ahead, Senator Varpilah called for strategic planning to ensure a brighter future for women and girls in Liberia. She emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with like-minded organizations, investing in capacity-building for women leaders and leveraging technology to promote gender equality across various sectors such as education and healthcare.
In conclusion, Senator Varpilah stressed the power of collective action. “The journey is not easy,” she said, “but with perseverance, unity, and a shared vision, we can build a Liberia where every woman and girl has equal access to opportunities, rights, and freedom from violence.”
Also speaking at the event, UN Women’s Country Representative Madam Comfort Lamptey reflected on women’s global challenges and successes, including in Liberia. She highlighted Liberia’s preparations for the Beijing+30 reviews, which offer an opportunity to reaffirm the commitments made under the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
Lamptey praised the collaboration between UN Women and WONGOSOL in advancing women’s political participation, economic empowerment, and combating gender-based violence. “Together, we have made strides toward creating a more equitable society,” she said, noting the significance of policies like the Domestic Violence Act in strengthening the resilience of women and girls in Liberia.
WONGOSOL Executive Director Mrs. Esther S. Davis Yangoh also spoke, emphasizing the organization’s transformative work in 2024, including advocacy, capacity-building, and community engagement. “Today, as we gather to reflect, strategize, and celebrate, let us honor the dedication of everyone who contributes to our work,” she urged.
The event, themed “Exploring the Past, Reviewing the Present, and Planning for the Future: A Pathway for Growth,” provided a platform for reflection, strategic planning, and celebration of the progress made toward empowering women and girls in Liberia.
