We'll Not Accept Rice for Votes Anymore,' Liberian Women Declare

October 18, 2004 - (The Inquirer - Monrovia) The women of Liberia say they are aware enough now that rice is being used by politicians in the country as a political tool and have therefore, vowed not to accept rice for votes anymore.

The Liberian women intimated that they know that their families must eat balanced food if their children are to stay healthy, which is an everyday job, hence, cannot wait for only election time to eat rice.

Reading a special statement on behalf of the Gender and Development Minister at a program marking the observance of World Rural Women's Day held over the weekend at the Gender and Development Ministry, the Acting Gender Minister Lwopu Kandakai reminded Liberian politicians that they (women) do not need their(politicians) bags of rice to cast their votes because they already have under their sleeves, the people's power vote' that can put the candidate of their choice in the
Executive Mansion, for so many innocent women and children have lost their lives while the men were fighting for it.

Acting Minister Kandakai pointed out that women know now that they are no longer mere wings, but prominent stakeholders in decision-making to secure Biodiversity because their food supply depends on it.

Expounding on the theme: " Rice as a Political Tool, Which Way?", Minister Kandakai told Liberia's politicians that when it comes to Biodiversity for food security at all levels; women as custodians of the land are on the front line, stressing "when it comes to preserving the bio diversity of crops, animals breeding and the wealth of the environment, we are there."

Madam Kandakai said this makes them focal persons in the implementation of good agricultural practices, such as working on the farm in a way that the Ecosystem continues to be balanced.

She noted that women cannot be good and successful farmers without sustained peace and development in the country, stressing, "I am adding my voice to the many peace-loving people of Liberia that voluntary disarmament by October 31st is a must!"

Madam Kandakai in conclusion, appealed for the Elections Reform Bill to be passed as quickly as possible, so that the general and presidential elections can be held on time. She said the warring factions have enjoyed the spoils of wars to include "big. big cars, lands, houses, money etc. for the past 15 years, and this must come to an end!"

For her part, the keynote speaker at the occasion, Monrovia City Mayor Ophelia-Hoff Saytumah admonished the rural women of Liberia to prioritize education if they are to be a force to challenge their male counterparts.

She said women must learn the method of preserving and caring for food for the health and growth of their children and the entire family.

Mrs. Saytumah at the same time, lauded the rural women for the difficult situation they went through during the devastating conflict in the country which displaced thousands of them in strange places , adding, "it has not been easy for any of you, living in strange places with all of your children while some of you lost your husbands during the war".

This year's World Rural Women Day program which was held under the theme:" Bio-diversity for Food Security: Women Farmers are Ready", was graced by first lady Mrs. Rosie-Lee William Bryant, former chief justice, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, former Montserrado County senator, Madam Evelyn- Diggs Thmpson, among others.

October15 is celebrated globally each year to raise the profile of rural women and to sensitize both government and the public of their crucial yet largely unrecognized roles.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200410190890.html