By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
PAYNESVILLE — The former Minister of Public Works Ruth Coker-Collins has urged graduates of the Professional Institute of Leadership Studies (PILS-Liberia) in Paynesville to always uphold the value of excellence, integrity, and equality at all times in their professional lives.
Speaking at PILS-Liberia graduating ceremony, the immediate past minister encouraged the young graduates she described as the next generation of Liberian leaders to cultivate the sense of professionalism wherever their professional path leads them.
Speaking directly about gender inclusion, Madame Coker-Collins issued a clarion call for gender inclusion at all level of the Liberia society as the graduates walks into the lager society.
The declared that the full participation of women in leadership is essential for lasting peace, unity, and national development – using her leadership at the Ministry of Public Works as a classic example.
“Women’s leadership is not just about representation — it is about building a future where peace is lasting, unity is real, and every voice is heard,” she said, her voice resonating with passion. “When women lead, societies heal. When women are empowered, nations grow.”
Madam Coker-Collins urged the male counterparts to move beyond tokenistic support and actively create space for women to rise to positions of power and influence.
She stressed that a society that sidelines half its population cannot truly progress.
“Our dream for a better Liberia depends on the doors we open for women today,” she added.
Drawing from her own journey of service and leadership, the former minister encouraged the graduates to stand firmly on the standards instilled in them by their studies — to be leaders who not only achieve personal success but who also lift others as they climb.
