KAF Back Women in Politics Begin W'shop Today

June 16, 2005 – (The NEWS, Monrovia) Women participation in political leadership of the country has been very low key for decades. The low percentage of women in politics is due to several factors, among which, is the belief that women are often considered housewives, therefore, they cannot be active political players.

In Liberia, men dominate the political leadership of the state as compared to women, who are often ostracized by their male counterparts due to the perception that politics is a "man's game"

In order to motivate women's participation in politics, the Konard Adenauer Foundation (KAF) in collaboration with the Coalition of Political Parties Women in Liberia (COPPWIL) will commence a two-day Gender Awareness and Gender Equality conference in the central Liberian town of Gbarnga.

KAF Program Coordinator, Dr. Heinz Jockers, told reporters Tuesday that the workshop is expected to bring together 30 women from various political parties in the country who are associated with COPPWIL.

He explained that his foundation is encouraging women to get involved in politics, because over the years, they have been marginalized.
Dr. Jockers said that it was important for women to consider their participation in politics, especially at the time when the country is heading towards legislative and presidential elections.

The KAF Program Coordinator disclosed that his institution would support women organizations in rural parts of the country.

Gender Minister, Vaba Gayflor, is expected to deliver the keynote address while National Elections Commission (NEC) Chairperson Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris and Professor Kolubo Kollie of AFELL as well as female lawmakers, including Mrs. Ruth Caesar, Clarice Jah and Bartu and Dorley are expected to address the forum.

The objective of the workshop is to identify common obstacles in women's participation in political leadership position. At the end of the workshop, it is expected that the women would enhance understanding of gender problem, strategize to overcome obstacles and to build up women's confidence for leadership roles.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200506170081.html