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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: ActionAid Liberia (AAL), working with the Government of Liberia, the Embassy of Sweden and civil society partners, brought together traditional leaders, women, young people and community members at the 2026 National Cultural Festival celebrated Liberia’s cultural heritage to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
By Persie Blama Folley/ Khulekani Sibindi
Held under the theme, *“Our Culture, Our Pride: Empowering Women and Girls,”* the festival provided a national platform for celebrating positive cultural values while encouraging communities to address harmful traditional practices that affect the rights, dignity and opportunities of women and girls.
The colourful celebration brought together government officials, development partners, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth groups and community members. It featured traditional dances, cultural performances, exhibitions and discussions showcasing Liberia’s diverse heritage.
Delivering the keynote address, Gbarpolu County Superintendent Sam Zinnah described culture as the foundation of national identity. He called on Liberians to preserve traditions that promote unity and dignity while eliminating harmful practices that limit the advancement of women and girls.
“Our culture should be a source of unity, dignity and development,” Superintendent Zinnah said. “We must embrace the positive values of our traditions while rejecting practices that deny women and girls the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
He commended ActionAid Liberia and its partners for supporting initiatives that connect cultural preservation with gender equality and stronger communities.
“The empowerment of women and girls is not only a human rights issue but also a prerequisite for sustainable development. When women succeed, families, communities and the nation prosper,” he emphasized.
Also speaking at the event, Kari Backeus, Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia and Sierra Leone, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Liberia.
“Cultural heritage is something to celebrate because it defines who we are,” Ambassador Backeus said. “At the same time, every girl and every woman deserves equal opportunities to learn, lead and contribute to the development of their communities.”
She noted that women’s empowerment contributes to peace, democracy and economic development, adding that Sweden would continue working with ActionAid Liberia and other partners to promote an inclusive society.
“No country can achieve its full potential if half of its population is left behind. Investing in women and girls is investing in a stronger and more prosperous Liberia,” she emphasized.
At the same time, the Liberia Culture Ambassador. Kekura M. Kamara, widely known as Malawala Balawala carried out extra ordinary performance, signifying high leve corperation between Action Aid Liberia, partners and the Office National Arts and Culture
During the vote of thanks, ActionAid Liberia Country Director Elizabeth G. Johnson reflected on the progress made iny promoting positive cultural values while addressing harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls’ rights and dignity.
She acknowledged that the work initially faced resistance, limited awareness and challenges in engaging communities. However, she said the progress achieved reflects sustained engagement, strong partnerships and collaboration with traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations and development partners.
Johnson thanked the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Embassy of Sweden for their continued support. She also commended LIWEN, WOCDAL, DOMAFEIGN, SAIL and NATPAH for their contributions to advancing gender equality, challenging harmful practices and preserving Liberia’s cultural heritage.
The festival demonstrated that preserving Liberia’s cultural heritage and protecting the rights of women and girls can—and must—advance together. ActionAid Liberia and its partners called on traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society and communities to build on the progress achieved by promoting cultural values rooted in dignity, equality and respect.
Through continued partnership and community engagement, AAL remains committed to supporting a Liberia where culture strengthens identity, women and girls exercise their rights, and every person has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.
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