Women in Grand Kru County are being encouraged to break traditional barriers, and consider careers in the military as the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) steps up efforts to attract more female recruits.The call came during an AFL public awareness engagement on Voice of Grand prepare for an upcoming regional recruitment exercise.
The awareness campaign is part of a national effort to increase women’s participation in the AFL, and address the longstanding imbalance in female representation within the military.
By the increased number of females, the AFL team sought to dispel perceptions that military service is exclusively suited for men, emphasizing that women possess the capacity to perform the same duties, and contribute meaningfully to national defense.
The military delegation also appealed to families, and communities to support women interested in joining the AFL rather than discouraging them.
The team specifically urged prospective female applicants not to be intimidated by the military environment, or negative perceptions surrounding military service.
According to the delegation, the initiative is receiving support from the United Nations as part of efforts to promote greater female participation in the security sector.
SGT. Sukie L. Newton, and S/Sgt. Lincoln Patricia, used their own experiences to demonstrate the opportunities available to women, who choose a military career.
The two soldiers said, their time in the AFL has equipped them with skills, discipline, and professional experience that continue to benefit them. They said, women should not continue to remain on the sidelines of the military establishment, encouraged more of their kind from the county to take advantage of the recruitment opportunity. S/Gt. Newton particularly, highlighted the career, and vocational opportunities that can come with military service. The AFL team said, prospective applicants must be 18 years, or older, and should be prepared to present key documents, including a WASSCE diploma, voter’s ID and birth certificate. The delegation, headed by Junior A. Morris, included S/Gt. Sukie L. Newton, 2/Lt. Boye S. Mussah, S/Gt Lincoln Patricia, and Monicond B. Yarkpizn. The military team encouraged interested women to begin gathering their documents, and preparing ahead of the regional recruitment exercise, which officials said, will take place anytime soon.
For many women in Grand Kru, the AFL’s message represents an invitation to challenge traditional expectations, and explore a career path that could offer training, professional development, and an opportunity to serve the country.
