PHOTO: Ms. Harris receives certificate from US Amb. McCarthy
She’s a Liberian Journalist, a prospective law school graduate, with a long track record of advocacy for the rights of women and girls, as Garmah Never Lomo reports.
Ms. Facia Boyenoh Harris was on Monday, March 14, 2022 recognized for her life-long commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls in Liberia at the U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage virtual ceremony held in Monrovia.
Ms. Harris was one of 12 courageous women from across the globe, and the first Liberian in the program’s history, to be recognized for this prestigious award.
During the ceremony, Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized Ms. Harris for her impactful and necessary work, “After Liberia’s civil wars, in which violence against women was widespread, Facia Boyenoh Harris dedicated herself to reducing gender-based violence and increasing women’s political participation.
She has organized marches against rape, helped free protesters from jail, conducted outreach to first-time women voters, trained democracy activists, and works with girls to make sure they know their rights, worth, and potential.”
On her part, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden spoke about the power of women to change society: “Women have been told that they are dangerous, and that is because they are, dangerous to corruption and injustice. When we raise our voices, we have the power to shatter the shields of oppression.”
Ms. Harris, who is also graduating from the University of Liberia’s law school this week, thanked those around her for their support and shared efforts: “Today, we recognize the selfless and remarkable contributions of Liberian women for women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.”
In remark, Ms. Harris said she was grateful and extend her deepest appreciation to the U.S Department of State for honoring her with the International Women of Courage Award for this year.
According to the U.S State Department announcement of the awardees it states and I quote “Now in its 16th year, the Secretary of State’s IWOC Award recognizes women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity – often at great personal risk and sacrifice” – unquote.
“This award being given to a Liberian woman in 2022 is very critical to the work for the continuous struggle for inclusion and the positioning of women voices in national and international discourse – on peace, justice and human rights” she added.
We continue to see how societies that treat women badly and differently in a negative way continue to be poor and stagnant in development and human capital. How they don’t get ot is beyond me. The oppression of women takes many forms – through traditional and cultural norms, discriminatory laws and policies, unequal opportunities and access to allocation of national resources and back social services.
There are many who came before me who paved the way and upon whose legacy we continue this work. I ask at this point, that we all stand for a moment of silence in remembrance and honor of all the women who fought and used their voices for the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality, that are no more us. And for all victims of sexual gender-based violence – and other forms of violence, to name a few – little Olivia Zinnah, Blessing Moulton, Odell Sherman, Ma Nowai Flomo – they are real people, they are humans. Say their names.
She added that Today, and always, we recognize the selfless and remarkable contributions of Liberian women for the fight for social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, their just and daring efforts, often at great personal risks, must never go unnoticed.
This recognition comes at the same time the Liberia Feminist Forum started her journey of documenting Liberian Women Stories across the country under the caption “From the Margins to the Center: Celebrating Liberian Women for their Contribution to Social and Economic Justice – a Photography Series on women in rural and urban communities, with an intergenerational outlook. The series documents women’s stories of change and breaking barriers.
This is very important as women’s work and voices continue to be a critical missing piece or under presented in narratives of change and impact, their contributions to change and Liberia’s Development.
The struggles for justice, inclusion, participation and equality, – and human rights continue to be an uphill, but we cannot be weary in the fight as in the words of ——human right are not serve on the table…… I challenge each one listening and celebrating Liberia/Facia to strive daily in our private and public spaces for the collective benefits of society.
The Women of Courage Award is another opportunity to make Liberian women’s work and struggles more visible. It is an added opportunity to tell Her-Stories to generations after us about the importance of finding one’s voice and using it to bring about needed changes, dismantling systemic barriers discriminates against women and girls. In a society where women, girls and minority groups are vulnerable to physical attacks, sexual and domestic violence, we must continue to do our individual bit and work together to change the norms that encourage violence and perpetuate impunity.
To all the girls and young women – you are already courageous also remember – “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it” – a piece of advice from Toni Morrison.
In a Senate of 30 seats, we have only 2 women – in a cabinet of 19 seats, the ration is no better. The HOR begs the question are there women in the constituencies and political parties?
Add stats on Girls Education
To the women before us we honor your labor and the foundation lay. To the women and girls now – lets journey together.
Add stat on Rape
To my mentors and supporters, our allies and friends, we say thank you.
To the organizers and US State Department – Thank You. Thank you Plenty. In Kpelleh we say – Eh heard-aye. Em-ma-
Ms. Harris after the program also interacted with journalists during a questions and answer time.
Learn how to watch the ceremony and read more remarks from Ambassadors Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Michael McCarthy: http://ow.ly/4y3250Ij3In
#IWOC2022 #WomenOfCourage
Remarks at IWOC Ceremony
March 14, 2022