Monrovia — Former Vice President of Liberia Jewel Howard-Taylor and Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence have encouraged aspiring female politicians to remain resilient and committed despite the challenges of operating in Liberia’s male-dominated political environment.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking at the Women Political Aspirants Forum, the two prominent leaders shared personal experiences of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination, while urging women seeking public office to stay focused on service and leadership.
The forum brought together women political aspirants, elected officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and youth representatives, who renewed calls for increased investment in women’s political leadership and inclusive governance. Participants emphasized that Liberia’s democracy cannot reach its full potential while Women remain significantly underrepresented in Liberia’s Legislature, occupying only 11 of the 103 seats in the bicameral body, including three senators and eight representatives.
Reflecting on her political journey, former Vice President Taylor recounted how her public service began during Liberia’s civil conflict, when she worked closely with displaced communities.
“When I was First Lady, I started identifying with people in the displaced camps,” she said. “Because of the war, I couldn’t join my fellow First Ladies in undertaking initiatives, so I decided to do something meaningful by working with displaced people. That became the foundation of my political campaign.”
According to Madam Howard-Taylor, the relationships she built during those difficult years later translated into political support when she sought elected office.
“When I decided to run for the Senate in 2005, many people did not take me seriously. But the people remembered what I had done during the war — when I stood with them in their time of need,” she said.
Howard-Taylor stressed that successful leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and accountability.
“When you are elected to serve, never forget those who stood by you,” she told participants. “People support leaders who are prepared to serve and who genuinely care about their communities.”
She acknowledged the many obstacles women face in politics, including public criticism, abuse, and discrimination.
“It is a tough journey. It may look glamorous when you see us sitting here, but we walk through fire,” she said. “There is a lot of abuse and hatred directed at women leaders, but you must remain focused and determined, because leadership is about making a difference in the lives of others.”
She urged aspiring women leaders to maintain integrity and keep their promises to the people they serve.
“Leadership is integrity. Keep your promises and always remember why the people elected you,” she said.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence recounted her struggles when she first contested for a Senate seat in Grand Bassa County, Liberia’s second oldest county. She noted that while some women are accustomed to competing against other women in politics, she enjoys strong support largely from the women of Grand Bassa. She urged women to make integrity the bedrock of their political careers, adding, “You must be mindful of where you come from and where you are going.”
Senator Karnga-Lawrence and her late husband, Adolph Lawrence, made history by becoming Liberia’s only legislative couple. Mr. Lawrence was already serving as Representative of District #15, Montserrado County, when she was elected to the Senate. Tragically, he later died in a fatal car crash. Reflecting on that painful period, she said she contemplated quitting politics, but the women of Grand Bassa rallied behind her and volunteered to support her reelection bid. She credited their immense support as proof that when women stand together, they can succeed.
Senator Dabah M. Varpilah encouraged women to assert themselves and claim their rightful place in Liberia’s political landscape. She recounted how she was initially underestimated by male colleagues when she sought election as Vice Chairperson of the ruling Unity Party.
“Many people did not take me seriously, but I remained persistent,” she said. “Eventually, I won the position, and when my tenure ended, I ran unopposed.”
Varpilah urged women to find their voices, build confidence, and remain steadfast in pursuing leadership opportunities.
For her part, Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah of Bong County Electoral District #6 called on women holding top elected and appointed positions in government to create employment opportunities for female candidates who were unsuccessful in the 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
According to her, participating in elections is extremely costly, and recovering from an electoral defeat can be a daunting challenge for many women. She argued that providing employment opportunities would help empower women to remain engaged in public service and continue pursuing their political ambitions.
Representative Briggs-Mensah also emphasized the importance of effective leadership, noting that elected officials must keep their promises and maintain close ties with their constituents. She said identifying with the people and remaining responsive to their needs are essential qualities of good leadership.
Meanwhile, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana spoke candidly about the pressures and challenges associated with public service. She also highlighted the financial barriers confronting women candidates during election campaigns, noting that limited access to resources continues to hinder women’s political advancement.
Participants at the forum concluded that increasing women’s representation in governance requires sustained investment in leadership development, mentorship, campaign financing, and institutional reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive political environment. They stressed that empowering more women to seek and hold public office is essential to strengthening Liberia’s democracy and ensuring that governance reflects the perspectives and aspirations of all citizens.
