Liberia Opens National Forum on Rural Women’s Land Rights and Economic Empowerment

BUCHANAN— The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, in collaboration with ForumCIV, the National Rural Women Structure, the National Alliance for Women Land Rights and other partners, has launched a three-day national celebration and action forum for rural women in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

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By Francis G. Boayue

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The forum, held on Tuesday, October 13 ahead of Liberia’s National Women’s Day Celebration, brought together stakeholders to discuss policy dialogue, accountability, evidence-based advocacy, access to justice, productive land use, recognition of practical skills, economic empowerment and national commitments to advancing rural women’s rights.

This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Celebrating Rural Women, Securing Land Rights, and Advancing Resilient Livelihoods.”

Delivering the welcome remarks, Grand Bassa County Superintendent, Karyou Johnson, described the county’s hosting of this year’s celebration as a historic milestone, emphasizing the important role rural women play in Liberia’s social and economic development.

“Rural women are the backbone of Liberia,” Supt. Johnson said, noting that they sustain families, contribute to national food production and keep agricultural activities going despite persistent challenges in accessing land, justice, and economic opportunities.

Supt. Johnson said the forum provides a timely opportunity to address the challenges rural women face, particularly in securing land rights. “Land rights are not a favor; they are a right,” he emphasized, according to remarks delivered at the opening ceremony.

The superintendent also highlighted his administration’s efforts to support rural women through county budget allocations.

He said that during his first budget period, his administration provided direct financial assistance and agricultural support to rural women’s groups across the county’s districts.

According to Supt. Johnson, the administration continued its support during the second budget period, focusing on inclusion and contributions to programs designed to benefit rural women.

Serving as guest speaker, Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Atty. Laura Golakeh, reaffirmed the ministry’s willingness to work with rural women across Liberia’s 15 counties to advance their priorities and development agenda.

Deputy Minister Golakeh said the ministry recognizes the contributions rural women make to their communities, families, and the country’s overall stability.

She also acknowledged the challenges confronting rural women and welcomed their demands for greater access to opportunities, resources, and support.

However, Deputy Minister Golakeh stressed the importance of strengthening rural women’s organizational structures to ensure their concerns are effectively communicated and addressed.

She said a coordinated structure would enable the ministry and its partners to engage rural women more effectively across the country and work collectively toward finding solutions to their challenges.

The three-day forum is expected to provide a platform for rural women and other stakeholders to discuss practical measures for strengthening land rights, expanding economic opportunities and promoting resilient livelihoods.

The gathering also seeks to encourage stronger accountability and national commitments toward improving the social and economic conditions of rural women in Liberia.