FESTIVAL OF WOMEN 2023
BACKGROUND
Women play a vital role in African communities and societies. They often support their families through small-scale businesses and initiatives. In West Africa, women have been the driving force behind peace and security processes in recent years. Their contribution to the development of the region is immeasurable.
The Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace Campaign is recognized for significantly contributing to Liberia's peaceful transition from war to peace. Even two decades after the end of the Liberia civil war (2003 – 2023), women continue to work tirelessly to sustain Liberia's hard-earned peace. Like most places worldwide, these women's contributions are underfunded, rarely recognized and never celebrated.
The Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa recognizes the significant roles of grassroots women in nurturing and sustaining societies. In line with this, they launched the Festival of Women (FOW), a space created to celebrate, empower, and motivate women to continue contributing to community and nation-building. The FOW is primarily designed for women to network, get inspired, and promote women's equal participation in all aspects of life,self-care, and sisterhood. It is a "woman-only" space, welcoming women from diverse generations and backgrounds.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Professional Liberian women with knowledge and expertise in the subject matter facilitate these interactive sessions, where questions and engagement are encouraged. At the end of the financial security workshop, women are given challenge grants to teach them to begin a culture of saving. During the festival, women received health checks, including blood pressure, sugar, and breast screening. They also enjoyed free manicures, shared meals, played games, and climaxed with dancing at the end of the day. After the event ends, the women in attendance are given gift bags. These bags contain bath soap, roll-on, perfume, sanitary pads, 2 yards of African print cloth each, and a Christmas ornament designed and handcrafted by GPFA staff.
