Ministry, Liberia—Despite the difficulties of functioning in Liberia’s male-dominated political climate, aspiring female politicians have been encouraged by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor to stay strong and dedicated. Speaking at the Women Political Aspirants Forum, the two well-known figures encouraged women running for public office to continue concentrating on leadership and service while sharing their own stories of tenacity, sacrifice, and resolve.
Women political candidates, elected officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and youth representatives convened at the meeting to reiterate requests for greater funding for inclusive governance and women’s political leadership. Participants stressed that women are still disproportionately underrepresented in Liberia’s legislature, holding only 11 of the 103 seats in the bicameral body (three senators and eight representatives) and that Liberia’s democracy cannot realize its full potential.
Former Vice President Taylor reflected on her political career and described how she worked closely with displaced populations during Liberia’s civil war to start her public service. “I began to identify with people in the displaced camps when I was first lady,” she remarked. Since the conflict prevented me from participating in initiatives with my fellow First Ladies, I made the decision to engage with displaced people in order to accomplish something worthwhile. That served as the basis for my political campaign.
Madam Howard-Taylor claims that the connections she made during those trying years helped her get political support when she stood for office. “Many people did not take me seriously when I made the decision to run for the Senate in 2005.” However, she added, the people recalled what I had done during the war when I supported them in their time of need.
Madam Howard-Taylor emphasized that accountability, honesty, and service are the foundations of effective leadership. She convinced participants to never forget people who supported them when they were elected to office. “Leaders that sincerely care about their communities and are ready to serve are supported by the public.”
She recognized the numerous challenges that women encounter in politics, such as discrimination, abuse, and public criticism. The journey is difficult. “We walk through fire, even though it may appear glamorous when you see us sitting here,” she remarked. “There is a lot of hate and abuse aimed at female leaders, but since leadership is about improving the lives of others, you have to stay committed and focused.”
She challenged prospective female leaders to uphold their moral character and honor their commitments to their constituents. Integrity is the essence of leadership. “Remember why the people elected you, and keep your word,” she urged.
In Grand Bassa County, the second-oldest county in Liberia, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence described her difficulties when she first competed for a Senate seat. She pointed out that although some women are used to facing up against other women in politics, she had a lot of support from fellow Grand Bassa women. “You must be mindful of where you come from and where you are going,” she said, urging women to make honesty the cornerstone of their political careers.
She stated she thought about giving up politics during that trying time of her husband’s death, but the Grand Bassa women rallied around to support her and offered to help her run for reelection. She cited their overwhelming support as evidence that women can prevail when they band together.
Senator Dabah M. Varpilah urged women to stand up for themselves and assert their legitimate position in Liberia’s political system. She described how, when she first ran for the position of vice chairperson of the ruling Unity Party, her male coworkers undervalued her. “I persisted despite the fact that many people did not take me seriously,” she added. I eventually gained the job, and I ran unopposed at the end of my term.”
