Gender Ministry Extols Rural Women Contributions to Society, Launches 3 Days National Women's Celebration in Bassa

Buchanan, Grand Bassa: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in collaboration with local partners has launched a three-day National Celebration and Action Forum for Rural Women in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, under the theme: “Celebrating Rural Women, Securing Land Rights and Advancing Resilient Livelihoods.”

The conference is bringing together stakeholders to discuss policy dialogue, accountability, access to justice and productive land use as part of this year's celebration of rural women.

Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Atty. Laura Golakeh, praised rural women's contributions to their communities, particularly in supporting families, sustaining livelihoods, and promoting stability.

She also acknowledged the challenges rural women face in the economy, assuring them that the Ministry will work to address their concerns and advance their priorities.

However, the Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening the rural women’s structure to ensure effective coordination and communication between women and relevant institutions.

Golakeh maintained that working through a unified structure would help the Ministry reach more rural women and improve efforts to cater to their needs.

Also speaking during the launch, Grand Bassa County Superintendent Karyou Johnson described rural women as the backbone of Liberia.

He credited their contributions to agriculture, family care, and community development.

Karyou said he remains supportive of rural women. According to him, his administration has supported rural women through its budgetary allocations, including direct financial assistance and agricultural support for women’s groups in various districts in Grand Bassa County.

“Rural women are the backbone of Liberia. They keep the nation going, care for their families, and keep our farms alive. Land rights are not a favor; they are a right,” he emphasized, calling for increased attention to the land-related challenges confronting rural women.

According to Johnson, the conference provides an important opportunity to address these challenges, particularly land ownership and access. The celebration is being held in collaboration with Forum CIV, the National Rural Women Structure, the National Alliance for Women Land Rights, and other partners.