The NEWS (Monrovia)
Jimmey C. Fahngon
23 July 2008
Monrovia — Political parties women in Liberia under the banner "Coalition of Political Parties Women in Liberia" (COPPWIL) has launched what it calls "Women Political Participation Assistance Fund" gears towards funding women candidates in upcoming elections especially in 2011 general and presidential elections.
The National Coordinator of COPPWIL, Ms. Marayah L.W.M. Fyneah told The NEWS recently that the purpose of the assistance fund drive is to financially support women candidates in their quest for leadership positions in society.
She recalled that during the 2005 presidential and general elections women candidates were not financially potent to fund their campaigns thus posing serious problem for them during the process.
She disclosed that an account has been opened at the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) for the purpose of saving money the organization would receive from donors.
Ms. Fyneah said money that would be generated for the women political participation assistance fund will be used to support women candidates during elections.
She said only registered members of COPPWIL who paid their regular dues would benefit from the assistance fund.
She said during the 2011 elections, COPPWIL would ensure that women contest in each of the 64 electoral districts in Liberia to ensure that women are equally represented in the National Legislature, unlike the present one.
Ms. Fyneah further said that COPPWIL was still pressing for 30 percent representation of women in the government.
She said the women would petition the government as soon as possible to ensure that women get the 30 percent representation in government.
The tough talking COPPWIL Executive was looking forward to gender sensitive men in government and the society to support women in their quest for the 30 percent representation in government.
She commended the International Republican Institute (IRI) for the level of support it has given COPPWIL especially for holding series of regional workshops relative to the participation of women in national politics.
COPPWIL comprises of women from six political parties including Unity Party, Liberty Party, Congress for Democratic Change, Liberia Action Party, National Patriotic Party and National Democratic Party of Liberia.
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