Liberia: Naymote Launches Women Campaign Fellows Program for Elections
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has launched a new program called Women Campaign Fellows in Monrovia.
The initiative, which took place on Friday, July 14, is intended to contribute to the inclusive, credible, and peaceful conduct of the electoral process through active young women’s civic engagement and enhancing political knowledge.
It was held under the theme "Increase the number of women elected in the legislature by 2023." The program, which is being supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia, is expected to run from July 15 to October 5.
However, the program will also provide an opportunity for twenty-five (25) young women who are alumnae of the Young Political Leadership School Africa and mentees of the Young Women Mentorship and Leadership Program to practicalize what they have learned on campaign planning, grassroots organizing, and advocacy during the electoral process to help female candidates win and ensure that women’s participation counts.
UN Women country representative Comfort Lamptey, who launched the program, inspired the Fellows to work towards getting a better result for women in the 2023 elections and to learn all they can from this experience.
"As we launch the Young Women Campaign Fellowship Program, let us recommit ourselves to the vision of a society where women’s leadership is not only encouraged but celebrated. Together, we can create a future where women’s voices shape policies and where equal representation in politics is the norm," she said.
She highlighted the important role Naymote is playing in creating awareness through civic education targeting young people, especially first-time voters, and sensitizing them on the importance of participating in elections.
"I want to ask you to support each other because your success will come when you work as a team and when you support each other. When one of you is falling, surround yourself with that person, give advice, and help that person up," she added. You can compete, but not at the expense of each other; continue to see yourself as a team; and grow together. I am sure that with this amazing corps of young leaders, Liberia’s future is assured."
Lamptey used the occasion to express gratitude to the Government of Sweden for supporting Naymote.
She told Naymote that UN Women is proud of the work that they have done together to expand the pool of capable women, especially capable young women, who are ready and eager to participate in political life and vie for political and public leadership positions.
Also speaking, the Program Director of Naymote, Peace T. Mahteh-Boyee, gave an overview at the launch of the first-of-its-kind program in support of women's participation in government, named and styled Women Campaign Fellows Liberia.
She emphasized that women's participation in government is crucial for achieving true democracy and inclusive decision-making processes.
Mahteh-Boyee highlighted the need to break down the barriers that hinder women from actively engaging in politics and holding leadership positions.
She stressed that empowering women in politics goes beyond mere representation; it is about creating an environment where their voices are heard, their perspectives are valued, and their contributions are recognized.
Mahteh-Boyee maintained that when women participate in governance, policies become more inclusive, responsive, and reflective of the diverse needs of society.
Furthermore, she acknowledged the incredible achievements of women throughout history who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations.
For his part, Charles Lawrence, program officer for Democratic Governance and Human Rights at the Swedish Embassy in Liberia, congratulated the young women fellows and Naymote for a job well done.
He said that the Swedish embassy is proud of its partnership with Naymote, which is doing well in Liberia, especially when it comes to voters and civil education.
Lawrence, however, pledged the embassy's continued support to Naymote.