By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
Beijing, China – At the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, delivered a powerful statement emphasizing the need for renewed global commitment to women’s rights and development.
The meeting, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference on Women, brings together world leaders under the theme, “One Shared Future: New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-Round Development.”
In her address, Senator Karnga-Lawrence conveyed warm greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to President Xi Jinping and the people of China, affirming Liberia’s dedication to advancing the rights of women and girls.
She highlighted pledges made by world leaders at the High-Level Summit on Women in New York, calling the Beijing conference an opportunity to strengthen global commitments and learn from China’s progress over the past three decades.
The senator noted that the Beijing agenda remains “a work in progress.” She raised concerns over persistent challenges, including backlash against women’s rights, rising gender-based violence, and the gender pay gap, with women earning on average 20% less than men for equal work.
Citing UN Women estimates, she also warned that gender disparities in rural agriculture could cost some African countries up to USD 100 million in GDP annually.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence highlighted the economic struggles of Liberian women, who make up the primary labor force in agriculture yet remain marginalized. Deep-rooted gender norms and unequal access to resources continue to hinder their productivity.
She stressed the importance of investing in women through community-based mechanisms such as agricultural cooperatives and savings associations, which have demonstrated resilience despite challenges.
The senator called for a multi-faceted approach to women’s development, advocating for greater access to resources, climate-resilient technologies, and financial services.
She also urged collaboration with men and boys to transform social norms that discriminate against women and girls.
As the meeting progresses, Senator Karnga-Lawrence reiterated the importance of placing women and girls at the center of efforts to reshape rural communities, drawing inspiration from China’s historical achievements in this area.
She expressed hope that the next 30 years would fulfill the promise of equality, paving the way for a prosperous, shared future.
The conference provides a vital platform for global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to women’s rights and development, aiming to achieve tangible progress in the years ahead.
