By our Reporter
The section of the Liberian population who think President George Weah has committed himself to forming his government with 50% women inclusion are rather taking the new Liberian leader out of context, an Executive Mansion press release has clarified.
The release, signed by Presidential Press Secretary Sam Mannah, on Friday described as “a misconception” the notion coming out of a speech Weah delivered on January 20, 2018 at the Antoinette Tubman sports stadium in Monrovia ahead of the January 22 inauguration that gender inclusion will be 50-50.
However, the Liberian leader clarified that during his speech at the Women’s Honoring Program, he sought to retrospect on the then mandate by NEC requiring each political party to ensure 30 percent women participation in government.
According to the release, “President Weah at the time was of the opinion that the 30 percent was too small and called for 50 percent women’s inclusion.”
“President Weah further clarified that he at no time promise that his government would consist of both 50 percent a piece for female and male inclusion in his government as being heralded by some section of the citizenry,” the release added.
Liberia’s newly installed 24th President has acknowledged his respect for women’s rights and remains an ardent proponent of gender equality, which he strongly supports “He for She” philosophy.
He further stated that he is the only political leader on record that oversaw the inclusion of 7 women into the Legislature while serving as political leader of the then Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
The Chief Executive then underscored the importance of maintaining Women’s participation in Public service, which inspired the choice of a female in presence of Jewel Howard Taylor as his Vice Running-mate.
Weah also said he was glad that his preference as running-mate has become the first democratically elected Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
He therefore said he remains fully committed to Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, assuring the women of Liberia that he will do everything within his power to ensure that the Liberian women are ably represented in his administration.
“This constituted the perspective he was speaking from particularly in an effort to showcase his longstanding support for Women’s empowerment and adequate participation in the governance process,” the Executive Mansion press release said.
Ahead of last Monday’s inauguration, defeated female candidates under the banner of the Liberia Women National Political Forum called for inclusion of women in the incoming government of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
More than 200 in number, the losing women candidates observed that the participation of females in the political process remains a challenge.
They urged Weah and his Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to ensure that more women are given the opportunity to serve in the new government.
The women announced this position following a consultative meeting with the executives and partner organizations on in Monrovia over the weekend.
They said Weah should consider including well-meaning Liberians in the formation of the new government, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations.
“The presence of a woman in the second seat of governance in the country will continue to motivate and strengthen women’s resolve to press forward,” the women politicians said.