The Importance of Women Participation in Politics and Decision Making Processes

Usual practices and traditional beliefs attach less value to women in Liberia and perhaps Africa. In Liberia and maybe somewhere else in the world, some men still believe that women are of less importance to them. In addition, the opinions of some individuals describe women as not being reliable, hardworking and wise as men. This is evidenced by the exclusion of women from electoral processes in Liberia since independence in 1847 up to 1949 when President William V.S Tubman partially included them in the process.

But in reality, women are reliable, hardworking and wise as men. Moreover, the contributions of women to nation building and world affairs are very remarkable in the history of Liberia. According to Book Two of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms by Dr. Joseph Saye Guannu, “Angie Brooks-Randolph served with honor at the Department of State (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and later became the first African Woman-President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1969-1970 (pg.30).” based on this, this paper is geared toward drawing attention on how the importance of women participation in politics and decision making processes can lead to having Elections-A Key for sustaining Democracy and Peace in Liberia. In this light, the protection of women political rights, the derestriction of access to political participation (Politics and Decision-making processes) and the promotion of gender equality are few reasons that form the bedrock of women participation in politics and also, decision making processes.

First of all, the protection of women political rights is one of the reasons that support the importance of women participation in the processes of decision making and politics as well. Like men, women have the right to participate in key national and international issues. Therefore, any attempt to of preventing women from participating in politics and decision making processes is a violation of women political rights and an act of discrimination against women.

Alongside this, the derestriction of access to political participation (politics and decision making processes) is another reason that upholds the importance of women participation in decision making and politics.While Liberia is a democratic state, democracy does not support unnecessary restriction on citizens’ political participation.History maintains that ‘in the year 1980, the government of President William R. Tolbert, Jr was removed in a military coup by enlisted men of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). One of the reasons given by the men in arm for their action was the restriction placed on the access to political participation in the country.’ In this way, if Liberian should avoid historical embarrassment, it is important to continue encouraging women participation in politics and decision making processes.

In addition, the promotion of gender equality strongly guarantees the importance of women participation in decision making processes and politics. unlike usual practices and traditional beliefs, gender equality buttresses the reality that both men and women are equal and they must be given equal opportunity to participate at all levels of government. Moreover, Liberia is a country that supports the principals of gender equality; therefore, it is essential to create spaces for women so that they can actively participate in politics as well as decision making processes in the country.

To summarize, if Election-A Key for Sustaining Democracy and Peace should be realized in Liberia, it is important for stakeholders to recognize the importance of women participation in politics and decision making, thereby giving them the opportunity to participate at all levels of government. 

Ebola Preventive Measures

We are just a team of Peer Educators heading to the Kokoyah Road Community to carry out awareness on the Ebola virus. Abigail Flomo is the girl on the right; I am Peter N. Dolo, the boy next to Abigail. Next to me are Sonie C. Browne, Genesis S. Kolliemene, Arthur Sulonteh, Garmah Leimue and Friendship D. Gonkpalah. 

 

Introduction

Chloride and Chlorine are cardinal chemical substances recommended by health workers as possible disinfectants of the deadly Ebola virus. These are used either for regular washing hands or other cleaning-up purposes. It is a pardon to assert that, many individuals use these highly concentrated chemicals without the proper measurements. But it is good to echo that the misapplication of chloride, chlorine or any other chemical substances on the human body, places you at risk of health complications that might lead to skin cancer or early death.

In fear of this, some health practitioners have come up with the exact measurements of these chemicals. These measurements vary between chemical substances and the product solutions are used in different cases. For instance, either for washing hands or cleaning up bathrooms, offices or the materials of Ebola suspected patients.

As Peer Educators of the Gbarnga Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a local branch of the YMCA of Liberia, we are pleased to express our profound gratitude to those medical practitioners who have exerted tireless efforts, in making sure that Ebola is kicked out of our country, Liberia, Africa and the world.

In this view, and in support of the National Strategy to Kick Ebola out of Liberia, we are of privilege to introduce to you the following steps involved in the measurements of these chemical substances (chloride and chlorine):    

Measurement of chloride Solution

 Note: There is no special container that you can use for measuring this substance.  You may decide to use a small cup, pan or any container to do this measurement. But the constant and most important thing you need to observe is that, whatever vessel you may decide to measure the quantity of chloride, that’s the same vessel you must use to measure the quantity of water. Be notified that the vessel you are using should be properly cleaned.

Measurement of chloride Solution for Cleaning-up only

One (1) cup of chloride must be diluted with nine (9) cups of water. This solution is called a hard solution and it is used only for cleaning up purposes. That is, this can be used to cleanup bathrooms, vomit and cloths of Ebola suspects or patients, as well as offices. This hard solution is harmful to the human body; therefore, always use protective gears (gloves, gowns or goggle) when handling or using it.    

Measurement of chloride Solution for Washing-hands only

One (1) cup of hard chloride solution must also be diluted with nine (9) cups of water. This is now called a soft solution and it is used for regular washing hands.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution

Note: Unlike chloride, chlorine has a particular vessel for measurement. It can either be measured using tablespoon or teaspoon. And the vessels used for measuring the quantity of water differ from that of the measurement of chloride solution.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution for Cleaning-up only

One (1) tablespoon of pure chlorine powder is dissolved in two (2) litters of water. This is another type of hard solution and it is used only for the purpose of cleaning. This hard solution is also harmful to the human body; hence, always use protective gears (gloves, gowns or goggle) when handling or using it.

Measurement of Chlorine Solution for Washing-hands only

One (1) tablespoon of a chlorine powder is dissolve into five (5) gallons of water. This is also a soft solution and it is used for regular washing hands. More preferably, you may use one (1) teaspoon of chlorine into two and half (2 ½) gallons of water; this will also yield a soft solution which can be used for the purpose of washing hands as well.

Conclusion

We are just Peer Educators and not very experienced medical practitioners. But we primly provide first aid medical information that is of help. Furthermore, we attend trainings and also conduct research on relevant health information and further provide better recommendations for our peers. Based on this, we recommend that you follow the above mentioned steps, so as to avoid future health problems that might be at your detriment.