By: Julius Konton
The Professional Women Association at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has marked its annual women’s celebration with a powerful tribute to female leadership, motherhood, resilience and public service, as Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan praised women as indispensable architects of Liberia’s development.
Addressing employees, dignitaries and invited guests in Monrovia, Ngafuan described women at the ministry as “beautiful women, elegant women, women of values and virtues, women of substance,” while commending their contribution to public administration and national transformation.
The event featured keynote remarks from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee, whom the minister hailed as a symbol of inspiration for Liberia, Africa and the wider world.
“She is a citizen of Liberia, Africa and the world,” Ngafuan declared, praising Gbowee’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.
Honoring a Global Liberian Icon
Ngafuan reflected on Gbowee’s personal and intellectual journey, describing her as an author, thinker and social reformer whose life story resonates with the struggles of many African women.
He recalled crossing paths with Gbowee over the years, including during a poetry competition held at Monrovia City Hall in 2011, where he invited her to help present prizes.
The finance minister narrated how literature, poetry and reflective writings have shaped his personal outlook, revealing his admiration for Gbowee’s inspirational writings, particularly reflections centered on prayer, resilience and motherhood.
Gbowee, internationally recognized for mobilizing women during Liberia’s brutal civil conflict and helping inspire peacebuilding efforts, remains one of Liberia’s most celebrated global voices for justice, reconciliation and women’s empowerment.
‘The Power of a Mother’s Prayer’
In one of the most emotional moments of the event, Ngafuan credited much of his life journey and survival to what he described as the power of maternal prayers.
Speaking candidly, he said he had passed through “the valley of the shadow of death,” overcome danger and received opportunities in life through the faith and spiritual commitment of his late mother.
He recalled frequent conversations with his mother, who often urged him to pray longer and more intensely.
“Everything that came my way, every danger i escaped, even surviving the concrete jungle called government, I thank the power of a mother’s prayer,” he said.
The minister extended recognition to mothers across Liberia and beyond who have passed on, acknowledging their sacrifices in raising families and sustaining communities.
Women at the Center of National Governance
Ngafuan emphasized that many of the ministry’s most committed and often unrecognized contributors are women particularly mothers working behind the scenes to sustain Liberia’s fiscal machinery.
Describing the ministry as a “deadline-driven institution,” he explained the intense pressures associated with national budgeting and public financial management.
He painted a vivid picture of long nights and demanding deadlines during Liberia’s budget preparation cycle, saying employees often spend weeks sleeping at the ministry to ensure legal timelines are met.
“You know the real generals when bullets are flying,” he remarked, comparing budget season to moments of national pressure.
Many of those carrying this burden, he stressed, are mothers who temporarily sacrifice family time to answer what he called “the nation’s call.”
“You leave your children, sometimes unable even to answer calls from family because you are attending to the nation,” he told employees.
Liberia’s national budget process is one of the government’s most critical administrative exercises, requiring coordination across ministries, agencies and counties to fund public services, salaries, infrastructure and social development programs.
According to the ministry estimates shared at the event, women constitute roughly 80 percent of personnel within the budget department, a figure Ngafuan credited for institutional excellence.
“No wonder we score an A,” he said.
Women in Liberia: Progress Amid Challenges
The minister linked women’s empowerment to Liberia’s broader national recovery and democratic consolidation.
Liberia has made strides in women’s political and economic inclusion over the past two decades, particularly following post-war reconstruction efforts and the election of Africa’s first democratically elected female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
However, women in Liberia continue to face significant structural challenges, including economic inequality, underrepresentation in leadership positions, maternal health disparities and gender-based violence.
International development reports indicate that women remain heavily represented in informal labor sectors while continuing to shoulder disproportionate caregiving responsibilities across households and communities.
Against that backdrop, Ngafuan described mothers and women professionals as “unsung heroes” whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.
A Tribute to Single Mothers
In remarks that drew applause from women gathered in the hall, the finance minister paid special tribute to single mothers, criticizing absentee fathers and men who abandon parental responsibility.
He condemned what he described as a social injustice in which men father children but fail to support their upbringing.
“There is no injustice comparable to leaving women alone with the burden of raising children,” he said to loud cheers.
Ngafuan praised women who raise children independently or help nurture children beyond their biological families, calling them national heroes.
He argued that many successful leaders emerge from homes sustained by determined single mothers.
Faith, Forgiveness and National Duty
Speaking in deeply reflective and faith-centered tones, Ngafuan also referenced biblical lessons, citing the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to argue that greatness can emerge even amid human imperfections.
He further reflected on forgiveness, invoking the story of Judas in Christian theology to emphasize redemption and divine purpose despite betrayal.
“No one is on this earth by accident,” he stated.
The minister encouraged employees to continue serving Liberia with dedication, reminding women at the ministry that they are not only mothers to their families but symbolic “mothers of Liberia” through their stewardship of public resources.
“You are helping to take care of Liberia’s cake,” he said. “You are real mothers of Liberia.”
Celebrating Women of Excellence
Ngafuan also commended the Professional Women Association for sustaining what he called impactful and inspirational programs.
He praised previous engagements featuring senior national figures, including Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah and Leymah Gbowee, former Noble Peace Prize Winner.
Special recognition was given to Deputy Minister for Budget and Development Planning Tanneh Brunson, whom Ngafuan described as a woman of dignity, productivity and professional excellence.
He noted her longstanding role in Liberia’s budgeting ecosystem since joining government service during reforms around the late 2000s.
Closing the event, the minister urged women to continue pursuing excellence while embracing wisdom, resilience and service.
“The reward for doing well,” he said, “is the burden to do more.”
