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The Faith and Justice Network recognizes and celebrates women and girls as champions in the advancement of a just peace society. The FJN Commemorates 2023 International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, at the Lutheran Church in Liberia Compound Conference Hall, 13th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, with over 40 women from churches and secondary schools.

The gathering highlighted the use of inclusive and transformative technology education for women in Liberia. Speaking at the opening of the International Women’s Day Program, the Regional Executive Director of the Faith and Justice, the Rev. Dr. Tolbert Thomas Jallah, Jr. said that “FJN stands up to advance gender equality and empowerment of women in the area of social protection systems, access to public services and call for a more gender-balance world by simply embracing equity”. The Regional Executive Director calls “for action for churches and national governments in the region to accelerate gender balance and remove structural barriers and harmful traditional practices that no woman or girl is left behind”.

The Key Speaker for the celebration, Mrs. Mardea Dorbor, Executive Director of Youth United for Sustainable Development speaking on the topic: “Embrace Equity to Challenge Gender Stereotypes, Call Out Discrimination, Draw Attention to Bias, and Seek Inclusion” Illustrated the difference between equality and equity, and encouraged young women to be good and ensure equality among everyone in society. She cautioned young women to maintain self-esteem and embrace equity in society.

Archbishop Dr. Matilda G. Tarr of Rhema Christian Ministries International Inc. and Rev. Dr. Canon Harman B. Brown, Director of Programs, Liberia Council of Churches(LCC) addressed the celebration on the topic: “Induce Growth and Enhance Leadership Career Development Pathway for Women”.

Dr. Herman B. Browne encouraged the participants to be clear in their speeches and not in their bodies, but rather in their minds and ensure that they are present and that issues raised will be based on passions and focused on what they hope to achieve. He stressed that it is important for women to be bold, confident, competent, and impactful. Women have been historically marginalized and silenced, and it’s time for women to take their rightful place in society. “Women should speak their minds, refuse to be silent, and present themselves with respect.” Said Rev. Browne. Women must have the confidence to pursue their dreams and the competence to succeed in their chosen fields. Whether it is by volunteering in their community, mentoring young girls, or starting a business, women can make a significant impact on society.

Archbishop Dr. Tarr encouraged young women to take a keen interest in the Young Women for Change Program.

Moderator Sanjee A. Stepter, 2nd Vice President, Liberia Council of Churches(LCC) launched the new program component (Young Women for Change) of Accelerating Gender Equality and Campaign Against Violence Against Women and Access to Justice (Thursday in Black). She emphasized the importance of women taking advantage of various opportunities to develop a better tomorrow.

Moderator Stepter argues that women must seize every opportunity that comes their way, whether it is a job offer, a scholarship, or a chance to network with influential people. She highlighted a few successful women in Liberia, including Chief Madam Suakoko, who brought Lofa, Bong, and Nimba County to Liberia, Dr. Angie Brooks, the First African and Black Female President of the United Nation General Assembly, H.E. Ruth S. Perry, the first Interim Chairperson of the Council of State of Liberia, and H.E Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, First Female President of Liberia. These women served as role models and showed that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.

Mr. Roseline Thomas Richards, the Executive and National Coordinator of the National Institute of Public Opinion and Liberia Alcohol Policy Alliance, and Mrs. Rebecca A. Tarpeh-Major, General Secretary of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia also participated in the celebration of the International Women’s Day.