The wife of the Vice President of Liberia, Second Lady Stephanie Dahn Koung, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of women in national peacebuilding and social cohesion, declaring that "women are drivers of peace and reconciliation, a game changer, and God created us to close the gaps in men." She made the statement on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while delivering the keynote address at one of the largest women's conventions ever held in Nimba County.
The convention, hosted in Sanniquellie under the banner "Nimba Women United for Peace and Development," brought together about 500 women from all nine electoral districts of the county. It marked a significant moment of convergence for women leaders, grassroots advocates, and community mobilizers committed to forging unity across ethnic, political, and social lines in a county with a complex historical legacy.
Beyond its size, the convention's importance lay in its clear political and social intent: to build a unified women's movement capable of influencing peace, reconciliation, and development outcomes in Nimba and beyond. Participants engaged in structured dialogues on women's socio-economic advancement, collective advocacy, and leadership development, while also electing a core leadership to steer the newly consolidated movement.
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The gathering was supported by the Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy (NIMD), an international organization widely recognized for strengthening democratic culture and inclusive participation. Through NIMD's support, women from across the county were able to translate training into action, rallying around a shared agenda and institutional structure.
NIMD's involvement was particularly visible through its Democracy Alumni Women, who provided targeted training to participants on escalating women's issues to the national level and organizing mass-stakeholder conferences. These sessions focused on practical strategies for advocacy around affordable livelihoods, agriculture, healthcare, and education--sectors where women's participation and leadership are critical.
Analysts say this approach reflects a broader shift from symbolic inclusion to substantive participation, positioning women not just as beneficiaries of development but as drivers of policy dialogue and community action.
One Nimba, One People
In a county often described through its ethnic diversity, Mrs. Koung delivered a unifying message that resonated strongly with participants.
"When I see Nimba, I see no tribe--whether Gio, Mano, Gbei, Krahn, Mandingo, or Kpelle," she said. "What I see is purely one Nimba with a unique group of people."
She praised the choice of the group's name, Nimba Women United for Peace and Development, describing it as a declaration of readiness and responsibility.
"The name of this group signifies your eagerness to solve problems," she added. "It means you are perfectly ready for this job."
Mrs. Koung emphasized that the strength and flexibility of women are essential tools for creating sustainable peace and lasting development, urging participants to confront division, tribalism, and unforgiveness with unity and compassion.
Mrs. Koung's remarks were reinforced by her ongoing work across the country on behalf of women and girls, particularly in areas of empowerment, advocacy, and social cohesion. As Second Lady, she has consistently used her platform to champion women's leadership, promote girls' education, and support initiatives that strengthen families and communities.
Her presence in Nimba, observers noted, underscored a deliberate effort to take national advocacy to the grassroots, ensuring that women outside Monrovia remain central to Liberia's peace and development discourse.
"Women are mothers and the backbone of the family," she said. "Whenever women are empowered, the entire community, the county, and the nation benefit."
The convention began with a parade through the main streets of Sanniquellie, signaling visibility and solidarity, before transitioning into indoor consultative sessions. Women were divided into groups to brainstorm challenges affecting their growth and development and to align on advocacy priorities.
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Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono praised the women for their unity, assuring them of her administration's commitment to women's empowerment across the county.
The event concluded with the induction of elected officers, including former Saclepea City Mayor Marie Sonkarley as President and Madam Mary Massaquoi as Vice President for Administration, among others--formalizing the movement's leadership and governance structure.
As Liberia continues to consolidate peace and democratic gains, the Nimba women's convention stands out as a model of inclusive organizing--one that blends grassroots mobilization, institutional support, and national leadership engagement.
"When women are strong, Nimba is stronger," Mrs. Koung concluded. "Empowerment starts when we believe in ourselves. We must know that we have values, skills, and ideas that can change our lives."
The convention was not just an event, but a turning point--one that positions women as a united force for peace, reconciliation, and development in Nimba County and Liberia at large.
