Mr. Kawa made the call while delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the Chairman of the LLA, Hon. Samuel F. Kpakio, during a three-day national celebration and action forum for rural women held under the theme, “Celebrating Rural Women, Securing Land Rights, and Advancing Resilient Livelihoods.”
Addressing participants, particularly women whose hard work sustains families and feeds communities across Liberia, Mr. Kawa emphasized that women's contribution to national development must be matched by equal protection of their land rights. Thus, women’s land rights are fundamental human rights aligned with Goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Director Kawa further informed participants that the LLA Chairman and his Board of Commissioners are working to fully protect women's rights and formalize their customary land, which is part of their heritage.
“To my mothers and sisters in rural Liberia, I am not only humbled to represent the Chairman of the LLA; I am also grateful that Chairman Kpakio’s message for women in Liberia remains clear. And it is a commitment I must reemphasize today. Do not let anyone quench your thirst to own and inherit land. Your land is your dignity. Your land is your voice. Your land is your power. And, above all, your land is your RIGHT,” he stated.
Mr. Kawa, who challenged stakeholders to confront the realities facing rural women who cultivate land for years but remain vulnerable to losing it, said women's participation must now move beyond words to actionable results. The LLA Policy Director however said that women's voices must move beyond CLDMCs' participation. Thus, a sustainable land sector and reform require equal rights and equal opportunities.
“Today, I have come to tell you that the LLA family is with you. Chairman Kpakio's heart is with you. His commitment is to that woman who wakes up before the cock crows, who carries her child on her back, weeds her farm, and still produces enough food for not just her family but families across Liberia,” he stated.
He further urged stakeholders to continue to work with the LLA to ensure that the law is enforced. He said that if not, the law may become a law that only exists on paper.
Serving as one of the panelists during the panel discussion, he emphasized that secured land for women means a secure future for Liberia's food production.
“But see, the question is, how can Liberia be food secure when the people who produce the food have no security for the land?” he asked. Stressing that women’s land rights are fundamental to food security, peace, and national development.
However, Mr. Kawa at the end of the engagement, used the occasion to call on LLA offices across the country to listen to rural women, understand the challenges they face, and work closely with communities and civil society organizations to address them.
He stressed that women’s participation must go beyond attending conferences. Women must be recognized as key actors and drivers of Liberia's economy. Thus, calling on them to stand firm in claiming their rights and recognizing their value in society.
The three-day forum which is being held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, brought together key stakeholders to explore practical ways to strengthen women’s land rights, expand economic opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
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Published by: Davis Emmanuel Chedeh
