In Commemoration of International Women’s Day

Over the weekend, ActionAid Liberia, along with its implementing partners, hosted a Cultural Festival in Commemoration of International Women’s Day aimed at promoting positive cultural values and eradicating harmful practices.

The festival’s primary goal was to eliminate the harmful aspects of traditional practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), while preserving the beneficial aspects of cultural activities like those associated with the Sande society, which prepares girls for womanhood.

During the program held in Gbarnga, Bong County, guest speaker Ma. Nyamah Kollie assured both the international community and local organizations of their commitment to eradicating FGM in alignment with requests from the government and international partners.

She also appealed to international partners to support the construction of facilities that would enable traditional activities, such as crafting nets and baskets, for economic empowerment purposes on behalf of traditional women.

The Cultural Festival, which commenced with a parade, followed by dialogues and cultural exhibitions, culminated in an award ceremony for the best cultural performer.

Out of the four participating counties, Gbarpolu emerged as the winner, surpassing Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Montserrado County.

Implementing partners of ActionAid Liberia involved in organizing the festival included Domafeign Liberia, Liberia Women Empowerment Network (LIWEN), National Association on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Girls (NATPAH), Stop Aids In Liberia (SAIL), and Women and Children Development of Liberia (WOCDAL).

Speaking on behalf of these partners, Mr. Foster Jenemana, the Head of Program at Domafeign Liberia, characterized the event as a platform to engage in dialogue with traditional leaders to eliminate harmful traditional practices.

“The FGM practitioners are not just cultural people but citizens. While we condemn harmful practices, we recognize and celebrate the positive aspects, as seen here today with traditional dances and activities,” he explained.

In a brief remark, ActionAid Liberia Country Director, Madam Elizabeth Dato Gbah-Johnson, committed to collaborating with traditional councils, implementing partners, media, and others to achieve their goals.

According to her, their primary focus is to examine cultural values and uphold the positive ones.

“We are not advocating for the cessation of all practices in the Sande bush, but rather for dialogue and finding ways to preserve our culture without harmful practices. For ActionAid, we are dedicated to working with all our traditional leaders,” she concluded.