Bong County: ActionAid, Gov’t, and Partners to celebrate Cultural Festival

By Edwin N. Khakie

ActionAid Liberia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and with support from the Swedish Government, the National Association of Traditional and Popular Practices (NATPAN), and other partners, hosted a vibrant Joint Cultural Festival in Bong County over the weekend.

Gbarnga, Bong County – June 9, 2025: The day-long event brought together traditional leaders and rural women from four counties—Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, and Montserrado—to celebrate Liberia’s cultural heritage while promoting gender empowerment and cultural transformation.

Held under the theme “Celebrating Culture and Empowering Change,” the festival served as both a celebration of Liberia’s ethnic diversity and a platform for advocacy around inclusive development and the protection of women’s rights within cultural contexts.

Delivering the keynote address, Madam Jesedeh Gbarzon, President of the Rural Women of Grand Gedeh County, called on traditional and religious leaders to uphold Liberia’s cultural values while eliminating practices that undermine human dignity—particularly those affecting women and children.

“We must protect and promote the positive aspects of our traditions,” Madam Gbarzon said. “Traditional leaders should be champions of values that uplift our communities and empower women.”

She emphasized the need for increased collaboration between traditional authorities and the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Gender, Children and Social Protection to design a national roadmap to address harmful cultural practices that marginalize women and children.

Madam Gbarzon praised ActionAid Liberia and its partners for their sustained support to rural women, noting that empowerment programs have enabled many to become economically independent and influential voices within their communities.

Also addressing the gathering, Madam Elizabeth Gbad Johnson, Country Director of ActionAid Liberia, underscored the importance of culture as a transformative force.

“This festival is about celebrating who we are, while also recognizing the need for change,” she said. “Culture is not just entertainment—it is a tool to educate, inspire, and empower.”

Madam Johnson revealed that through the “Just and Equal Community Project,” funded by the Swedish Embassy, more than 400 rural women across the four counties are benefitting from micro-loan programs aimed at economic empowerment and reducing gender inequality.

The festival featured colorful displays of traditional dancing, drumming, storytelling, and local craft exhibitions. Participants from the four counties proudly showcased their heritage, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural tapestry through attire, cuisine, and rituals.

Ambassador Kerkura Kamara, Liberia’s National Cultural Ambassador, delivered a passionate address emphasizing the relevance of culture in shaping national identity and promoting peace.

 “Culture is not just entertainment—it is a way of life and a bridge between generations,” he stated. “As we celebrate our traditions, we must use them to advocate for peace, inclusion, and the dignity of all people.”

Ambassador Kamara also urged young Liberians to embrace their heritage while remaining open to evolving practices that align with modern human rights standards.

The festival was attended by local chiefs, elders, county superintendents, civil society leaders, and representatives from the Swedish and Irish Embassies, as well as members of the National Association of Traditional Practices (NATPAN).

Organizers emphasized the importance of maintaining safe spaces for dialogue between tradition and progress, especially in communities where cultural practices remain deeply rooted.

“This festival is part of our broader effort to ensure that cultural heritage and human rights can coexist and reinforce one another,” said a representative from ActionAid Liberia. “We stand with our partners and communities in celebrating identity, promoting dignity, and driving justice.”

As Liberia continues to balance tradition with democratic values, events like the Joint Cultural Festival serve as a reminder of culture’s unique power to foster unity, empower women, and inspire positive social change.