Gender Minister Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr says research has shown that about 77% of women are self-employed in urban areas, compared to 40% of their male counterparts that are self-employed.
Minister Tarr made the disclosure over the weekend at the Ministry of Transport during the official kick off to observe the International Day of Women here.
She notes that the International Women Day is a celebration that is done worldwide since its foundation in 1911.
The Gender Minister while serving as Guest Speaker described Liberian women as dynamic entrepreneurs.
She adds that research has shown that Liberian women’s self-empowerment strategy has led to the creation of jobs that facilitated moving from the informal to the formal sector.
According to the Gender Minister, women’s self-empowerment strategy has moved them from micro credit to the small and medium enterprise sector where they continue to provide significant economic gains to boost the economy.
She sees the International Women Day as a call to action for accelerating gender parity, saying it makes her happy that the male partners are understanding that women need to have equal participation of leadership role with.
She assures Liberian women that the Ministry of Gender is more concerned about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #5 which speaks about gender equality.
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Minister Tarr indicates that this is paramount to the development of Liberia, and it enshrined in the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
She expresses delight over the number of women that are in leadership in various governmental institutions across the country.
According to Minister Tarr, women’s contribution to Liberia’s social economic advancement remains far greater.
She cites rural women’s economic contribution by producing food crops here, describing them as the main sponsors of agriculture products for domestic and commercial uses.
In recognition of women’s role in the agriculture sector, Minister Tarr believes that it is essential to revitalize agriculture to help reduce poverty in Liberia.
For her part, Assistant Transport Minister for Administration and Insurance Nuwoe A.D. Scott says the International Women Day is being set aside for women all around the world to celebrate their achievement, especially those hard working women who sacrifice their lives in contributing to society.
Minister Scott adds that the program is about showcasing the women at Transport Ministry to work side by side with the men in delivering services to the public.
She says further that the celebration is also meant for women at the Ministry to demonstrate their talents and to erase the idea that only men can work.
According to Madam Scott, women at the Ministry of Transport are delivering services in various departments including Driving License, and Motor Vehicle Registration, among others.
The celebration held under the them: “Gender Equality in Service Delivery,” brought together scores of government officials from line ministries, agencies, and commissions, among others.
By Lewis S. Teh –Edited by Winston W. Parley
