George J. Borteh
11 March 2008
Lofa County Coordinator of the Women Right and Democracy Centre (Word-Centre), Florence K. Ballah says the 30% of the women in government to which President Sirleaf promised to send to the 52nd National Legislature as bill for consideration is insufficient.
She said such bill will definitely have a strong restriction on the growth of women in the country recognizing that President Sirleaf has taken a fine step to incorporate women in her government. "That is a fine step, but I disagree as that bill will restrict women's growth in this country in the years to come," she noted.
Madam Ballah made the statement recently in Voinjama, Lofa County, during another observance of the International Women's Day which took place on Saturday, March 8, 2008.
Recently, President Sirleaf recalled that a United Nation (UN) resolution calls for 30% of women in government to which the Liberian leader promised to send a bill to the National Legislature for enactment.
She called for 50% women participation in government, adding that she has a vision that the women will take over 50% in the Liberian society. "I have a vision that women will take over 50% participation in every sphere of our society in this country," she said.
In fact, Madam Ballah sees that even the illiterate rural women will be strongly involved in their homes and communities. "I will see that even the illiterate rural women will be strongly involved in their homes, communities, etc, but this bill will tie our hands," Madam Ballah said.
Madam Ballah then recommended that fellow women to go back to their previous campaign strategies using equity then equality, urging them to respect and uphold every responsibility entrusted to them and do their best.
She spoke on the topic: "Supporting Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women", with the sub topic, "Gender Equity Then Equality". She challenged the women that tomorrow and the future is in their hands.
"Be the best in what you are doing so that you will be remembered for that. Don't look down upon yourselves as a woman, you are special," she said.
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