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.