Women of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Liberia paraded the principal streets of Monrovia August 26, carrying placards, some of which read: "I am not a punching bag"; "I am your child"; If you teach me hostility, I learn to fight"; among others.
As they observed the National Abused Emphasis Day, they later assembled at the Monrovia City Hall for an indoor program.
Since Liberia has been in the vanguard of the promotion of peace and dignity, the women argued that Liberians need to continue in that path in order to restore its dignity and also demonstrate its concern for humanity, especially for women and children.
They also said that Liberians join other nations in various regions of the world to champion the cause for the promotion of human rights.
Meanwhile, Deputy Planning Minister Estelle Liberty who served as the keynote Speaker said there was time that Liberians eradicate what she called "deadly human degradation".
She spoke on the theme "Women Network for Sustainable Development." She also expressed thanks and appreciations to the family of UN for the level of support they are giving the work for peace in Liberia through non-governmental organizations.
At the same time, Minister Liberty has told the Adventist women to vote right in this electoral process.
"Why by now we have about 22 presidential candidates coming from different political parties and carrying similar platforms ideology? Why not network and come together and elect someone we know will carry us to the Promised Land"? She asked.
According to her, it is very melancholic to see Liberians rendering supports to those she called "inexperienced candidates" who have hidden agenda and are not capable of ruling this nation.
The National Director for the Adventist Women, Madam Ninda J. Kolankay said that they were preparing the minds of the Liberian women to strategize a way to prevent the abuse of women and children.
The Abuse Prevention Day program was followed by a fund drive intended to construct a multi-purpose retreat center to provide training. [Editor: H. Mccarey Marshall for The Analyst]
Copyright © 2005 The Analyst.