By: Gareyson Y. Neufville
Hundreds of rural women from across Liberia’s fifteen counties gathered in Harper City, Maryland County, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to commemorate International Rural Women’s Day under the theme, “Empowering Rural Women for Peace, Development, and Sustainability.”
The colorful celebration began with a grand parade through the principal streets of Harper, drawing the attention of residents and onlookers who cheered as the women marched with banners and messages promoting empowerment, equality, and peace.
The event brought together representatives from both national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including UN Women, ActionAid Liberia, and the War and Economic Crimes Court of Liberia, among others.
During the opening ceremony, Rev. Amminadab K. John, Chairman of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), commended the leadership of Liberia’s rural women for their resilience, unity, and contribution to peacebuilding and development. He emphasized that empowering rural women is key to fostering sustainable growth and maintaining social stability across Liberia.
The annual celebration serves as a reminder of the essential roles rural women play in agriculture, community leadership, and national development, despite facing numerous social and economic challenges.