Liberia was the first African republic to elect a female president. Yet, women and youth continue to be politically, economically, and socially marginalized. As the founder of a youth-led voter education initiative in the West African nation–LiberiaVotes– I was determined to find out what were some of the root causes of this marginalization and how we could effectively address them. I embarked on a mission to meet with, engage and interview prominent female politicians in Liberia. My first encounter was with the immediate former Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Cllr. Jewel Howard Taylor.
The interview was on the heels of a recent political defeat where she and former President George Weah had lost the elections 3 months prior to my interview. Immediately after the interview, I knew that she had offered invaluable insight. The thoughtful and intentional points during the conversation echoing within me. The weight of Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor’s insights lingered, each word a stepping stone for my own journey in political activism. I saw in her a blueprint for mobilizing and empowering the next generation. The former Vice President had outlined the inextricable link between effective leadership and the empowerment of others, particularly young women. This wasn’t just about achieving high office but about fostering an environment where young leaders could thrive. “We must create spaces that nurture young potentials,” she had said. This philosophy was something I intended to underpin the ethos of LiberiaVotes. Her emphasis on education, mentorship, and resilience formed a triad of principles that I planned to advocate for in my community.
Reflecting on her candid discussion about the challenges she faced, including the gender biases that pervaded the political landscape, I pondered how to address these systemic issues within my own initiatives. Howard Taylor’s approach to advocacy—bold, unyielding, yet inclusive—offered a model for how to confront and navigate the endemic barriers to female participation in politics. Her stories of solidarity on the campaign trail were particularly poignant. They were not just anecdotes of political struggle but of community and support—elements that are vital for sustaining momentum in any advocacy work. The unity and backing she received from women across different sectors demonstrated the power of collective action, a lesson I aimed to instill in the young voters my platform served.
As I mulled over her advice to young women—to step into the arena of politics with courage and determination—I was struck by the potential impact of integrating these narratives into LiberiaVotes. Highlighting these stories could serve as both inspiration and a call to action, encouraging more young women to consider political careers. The drive home was a time of introspection and planning. Howard Taylor’s insights had not only provided content for an engaging article but had also sparked ideas for several community outreach programs. These programs would aim to educate, engage, and empower young Liberians, using her life’s work as a foundational example.
Upon my return, I immediately set to work, drafting the article that would encapsulate the essence of our conversation. The task was to translate the vibrancy and depth of our discussion into a compelling narrative that would resonate with my readers. It needed to highlight her achievements and insights while also calling my peers to action. In weaving these elements into my narrative, I aimed to craft a piece that was not only reflective of Howard Taylor’s ideals and experiences but also resonant.
Continuing the analysis of my interview with Jewel Howard Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia, I have come to understand the nuanced implications of her leadership and the broader significance of female participation in African politics. Howard Taylor’s strategies and her candid sharing of personal experiences provided me with a profound insight into the mechanisms of political influence and change, especially regarding gender dynamics.
Howard Taylor’s advocacy for gender equality isn’t just about increasing female representation; it’s about altering the foundational structures that dictate political engagement. By focusing on mentorship and education, she underlines that empowerment is a critical factor in creating sustainable political involvement. This resonates deeply with my aspirations for LiberiaVotes, emphasizing that educating young women about their political rights and capabilities can catalyze significant societal change.
Her discussion about the barriers women face in politics, including gender bias and systemic discrimination, highlights a critical aspect of political activism: the need for resilience and strategic navigation through these challenges. Howard Taylor’s approach demonstrates that advocacy must be both persistent and adaptive, qualities I see as essential for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in politics. Her acknowledgment of these hurdles serves not only as a realism infusion but also strengthens the resolve of those of us looking to follow in her footsteps.
Moreover, Howard Taylor’s emphasis on networking and the power of relationships within the political sphere provides a tactical blueprint for young women. It showcases that success often requires a collective effort, and that building alliances can amplify one’s ability to enact change. This is particularly important in environments where women may feel isolated or marginalized. Her insights suggest that a supportive network can provide both a strategic advantage and a psychological boost, which are indispensable in the challenging arena of politics.
The personal stories of resilience and solidarity she shared also illustrate the communal aspect of political engagement. These narratives not only humanize the political process but also serve as motivational beacons for young women, showing that their contributions are vital and that they are not alone in their journey. The impact of community support, as depicted through her campaign anecdotes, underscores the importance of a united front in overcoming common adversaries and achieving shared goals.
As I reflect on Howard Taylor’s narratives and their implications for my work with LiberiaVotes, the intersection of leadership, gender, and political participation becomes increasingly apparent. The lessons drawn from her experiences are instrumental in framing the objectives of my initiative: to inspire, educate, and mobilize young women in Liberia. The strategic insights she provided have helped refine my approach towards creating more inclusive and empowering spaces for young leaders.
In summary, the dialogue with Howard Taylor not only enriched my understanding of the political landscape but also reaffirmed the critical need for active and informed participation by young women in politics. The paths she has charted through her advocacy and leadership roles illuminate the way forward, offering both a challenge and a call to action for the next generation of female leaders in Africa. As I integrate these insights into my community outreach programs, I am more confident in the transformative power of informed and engaged youth in shaping a more equitable political future.
Follow Hannah’s continued efforts to transform the political landscape in Liberia and empower its youth by visiting Liberia Votes at liberiavotes.org and following their updates on Instagram at @liberiavotes.
