By Christian Appleton
Harper City, Maryland County | October 15, 2025–Hundreds of rural women from across Liberia’s fifteen counties converged in Harper City, Maryland County, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to commemorate International Rural Women’s Day under the inspiring theme: “Empowering Rural Women for Peace, Development, and Sustainability.”
The colorful celebration began with a grand parade through the principal streets of Harper, drawing hundreds of residents and passersby who joined in the festive spirit. The event brought together representatives from national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including UN Women, ActionAid Liberia, and the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, alongside community leaders, students, and traditional women groups.
The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the indispensable role that rural women play in agriculture, peacebuilding, and community development across the country.
Speaking at the occasion, Rev. Amminadab K. John, a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, commended the resilience and leadership of Liberia’s rural women. He emphasized that the National Rural Women Structure serves as a vital platform to amplify women’s voices and promote solidarity across the nation.
“When women unite, Liberia grows stronger,” Rev. John declared to resounding applause. “We must continue to build a nation where every woman’s voice is heard, every girl’s dream is protected, and every community stands firm in equality and peace.”
Rev. John used his remarks to highlight several key issues central to the rural women’s movement, including the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ending rape and domestic violence, promoting gender justice and the rule of law, and protecting the rights of women and girls.
He called on women—particularly single mothers, smallholder farmers, and community leaders—to remain steadfast and united in addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and economic marginalization.
In a notable gesture of support, Rev. John pledged to assist women farmers in purchasing a cassava processing machine. This initiative, he explained, will help boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and empower women to become more economically self-reliant.
“Empowerment must go beyond speeches—it should translate into real tools and opportunities,” he stressed. “This cassava machine will enable our women to transform their hard labor into sustainable income.”
Delivering the keynote address, Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, hailed rural women as “the messengers of peace” in a society still recovering from the scars of conflict.
“If Liberia must achieve lasting peace and development, the voices of rural women must be heard at every level,” Cllr. Barbu asserted. “Rural women deserve representation in the House of Representatives and other decision-making spaces, because they understand the realities of the people at the grassroots.”
Cllr. Barbu encouraged government institutions and international partners to prioritize rural women in policymaking and national development agendas. He emphasized that empowering women in agriculture and governance is essential to ensuring inclusive growth and sustainable peace.
Representing the women of Grand Gedeh County, Mrs. Jesadeh G. Barzon delivered a heartfelt appeal to UN Women and other development partners to provide more farming tools and agricultural inputs to rural communities.
“We are hardworking women, but our challenge remains the lack of tools and financial support,” Mrs. Barzon said. “We call on UN Women and other partners to empower us so that we can produce more food and sustain our families.”
Her statement reflected the broader sentiment shared by women across the fifteen counties—many of whom face challenges such as limited access to markets, land, and financial services despite their pivotal role in feeding the nation.
In her special remarks, Mrs. Kebeh G. Kanneh, National Head of the Rural Women of Liberia, expressed deep appreciation to supporting NGOs and institutions for their continued collaboration.
“It is through our strong partnership and advocacy that rural women across Liberia are being empowered,” Mrs. Kanneh said. “Counties like Margibi, Maryland, Lofa, and Sinoe have already benefited from millions of Liberian dollars in empowerment projects aimed at improving livelihoods.”
She underscored that women’s empowerment is not only an economic concern but also a cornerstone for national peace, inclusion, and stability.
“The empowerment of rural women is a national priority,” Mrs. Kanneh added. “When women are empowered, families are lifted out of poverty, children are educated, and communities thrive.”
As the day concluded, participants danced, sang traditional songs, and showcased locally made products ranging from cassava flour to handwoven fabrics, symbolizing the creativity and determination of Liberia’s rural women.
The 2025 International Rural Women’s Day celebration in Harper ended not just as a commemoration but as a powerful call to action—to invest in women, strengthen rural economies, and build a peaceful, equitable Liberia where every woman’s potential can flourish.