WOMEN O WOMEN!

When I think of the women elders on whose shoulders we stand today and see the new generation of women leaders, my heart aches! Take our present VP, who has been in the hierarchy of government for the past 16 years, has all of a sudden started promoting “sisterly love” by calling on us to “love each other, promote each other and of course finally vote for each other”! I believe I brought this message to OBAA in 2005.

A single question Madam VP; in 16 years how many women candidates have you promoted or supported? Let’s say in your own Bong County? During these 16 years, we have seen some “strong women” making bids for the legislature, only to be swept under the political carpet. Can you recall Amb. Neh Dukuly Tolbert? Madam Hawa Goll-Kotchi? Cllr. Francis Johnson-Allison? Cllr. Gloria Scott? Madam Roselind Sneh?  Madam Grace Kpaan? Superintendent Edith Gongloe-Weh? Imagine what they would have brought to the table!

I am sorry to say but you and the first woman elected president in Africa, did not feel comfortable with formidable women, and for that very reason, you marginalized the strongest women in our society. And now, Madam President, after 12 years, you now see the light to promote “women’s participation in politics” through Amujae and some other strange names. Give me a break! In the 2014 senatorial race, this woman president supported the 20 women candidates with US$20,000. US$1,000 for each woman, whilst her son, the heir apparent, had the keys to NOCAL millions for his campaign. Joke or no joke!

Both of you need “to do” and talk less. Actions speak louder than words. In 2006, Liberia returned to democracy with 5 women senators and 13 women representatives. Today, ain’t but one in the senate. I take that back. And recently inducted Madam Botoe Kanneh, making two and 8 women in the house. This is how much women have been supported over the 12 years of the first female president in Africa. And we will never forget, Madam VP, your most infamous words, “Da our time.” If either of you care to be motivated, can I refer you both to read about Emma Shannon Walser, Mary Antoinette Brown-Sherman, Eugenia Stevenson, Leona Chesson, Mary Brownell and others.

Please stop playing games. Some of us have seen “betta” and we are way too old for these charades called politics in Liberia.

The Loose Cannon!