Nothing But Progress

14 July 2011

The newly inducted President of the Women Association of the Ministry of Public Works says her leadership will give special attention to the development and training of female employees. She stressed the need of building capacities in making them more viable for the job market especially senior managerial positions at the Ministry.

Mrs. Fregina Bettie said the days of women sitting behind and serving as housewives and spending long hours in the kitchen are now over and challenged her colleagues to go for nothing but the highest in realizing and achieving their potential. She called on women, particularly Public Works women not to see themselves inferior to their male counterpart but as women who possess quality and skills capable of competing with their male counterparts.

She thanked the administration of the Ministry of Public Works for giving them the necessary support in organizing and creating awareness among female employees in making them achieve  their full potential something which according to her, is first of its kind in the Ministry.

Speaking earlier as guest speaker at the Public Works Women Association induction ceremony, the deputy Minister for Research and Technical Services at the Ministry of Gender, Madam Annette Kiawu called on the women to take into account the welfare of their fellow members in respecting their views. She cautioned the newly inducted leaders to guide themselves against favoritism or selectivity in seeking the welfare of the group and not to engage in acts that will hinder the growth of the Association.

Serving as installing officer, Deputy Public Works Minister for Administration Johnson Gwaikolo acknowledged the contribution female employees of the Ministry continue to play in the transformation and development of Liberia’s infrastructure.  He lauded the women for organizing themselves in such a smooth manner which result is impacting the Ministry as a whole.

For his part, Public Works Minister Samuel Kofi Woods, II overwhelmingly gave his support to the Female employees Association and called on them to vie for any position of trust at the Ministry of Public Works if they so desire. He called on them to desist from act that will tear them apart and embrace meaningful changes that affect the Association and the Ministry.

The Ministry of Public Works Women Association was established early February this year, it comprises 79 memberships. The purpose of the Association according to its Vice President Nohn Sokpa is to advocate and build women capacity in making them competent to compete with their male counterparts. The vision of the Association is to ‘reach out to the needed and pension members.’

Those inducted to steer the affairs of the Association are Fregina Bettie, President; Nohn Sokpa, Vice President; Brigid S.T. Sheriff, Treasure; Mabel C. Queejay, Financial Secretary; Alfreda W. Mark, Secretary; Fatu Massaquoi, Chaplain; and Edith Yancy, Liaison Officer. The newly inducted officers will steer the affairs of the Association for the period of two years.

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