General
Source: The Inquirer
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been recognized for demonstrating outstanding achievements in implementing the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA).
The selection committee of the African Gender Award chaired by the former President of the African Parliament Gertrude Mongella elected President Sirleaf to receive the 2011 African Gender Award, placing her as the fourth president to receive such honor. At their meeting with President Sirleaf yesterday in the presidential conference room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director of Femmes Africa Solidarite (FAS) Bineta Diop said gender is the mainstream issue that draws attention to policies in a country.
Madam Diop informed the Liberian leader that Liberia stands as an example in Africa and the world noting, “Your presidency seems to draw an incredible wave of attention to gender issues and amazing things are happening here”. She said the criteria to choose countries was based on performance, development initiatives and issues critical to women and indicators from Liberia show that the Ellen-led leadership highlights peace, security and empowerment.
Madam Diop told the President that FAS is preparing to mobilize all African women to celebrate the award which will be presented to President Sirleaf in mid June, 2011. Forming part of FAS delegation led by Madam Diop is a delegation of the Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust (GREAT) which is headed by the President of Realizing Rights, former Ireland President Mary Robinson.
Buttressing earlier remarks from Madam Diop, a member of the trustees of GREAT, Mariella Frostrup further informed President Sirleaf that as women they too are happy to come to see Liberia, a country perceived to be in chaos so peaceful.
“Most news from Africa is tragic but when we return to the UK we will tell our people of the positive things that are happening here. Liberia is a country emerging from war and the country's program is happening slowly but it is progressive,” Mariella expressed. Madam Frosturp said UN Security Council Resolution 1325 gives women time to come together to channel ways to move on and to always look to President Sirleaf for pieces of advice.
Meanwhile, President Sirleaf who departed Monrovia for her regular county tours expressed how she was out of words and admitted that some other women have been the real workers to the successes Liberians enjoy during her tenure.
“I have just been blessed to be in the right place at the right time. To admit, our women have worked in the region. Together we have formulated programs to respond to the needs of the girl child; significant enrollment programs have been strategized,” President Sirleaf told the joint delegation.
The African Gender Award is awarded every two years to an African Head of State who has outshone in promoting gender in the country.