I would like to make sure, first of all, that our women in the
I would like to make sure, first of all, that our women in the informal sector - I mean, these are the farmers and the traders; many of them are not educated, many of them lacking literacy - be able to give them better working conditions. And we've done a lot to be able to achieve that.
The words of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman to lead an African nation, carry the weight of both compassion and command. When she speaks of women in the informal sector—the farmers and traders, often without education or literacy—she is naming the backbone of her country, the unseen pillars upon which society rests. Her desire is not for riches or glory, but for better working conditions, that dignity might be restored to those whose labor sustains life itself.
For too long, these women have walked in silence, rising with the dawn to till the soil, to carry goods to market, to feed children, and yet receiving neither recognition nor justice. They are the silent architects of survival, whose strength has endured war, poverty, and neglect. Sirleaf, by naming them, draws them from the shadows into the light of remembrance. This is the mark of true leadership—not to exalt the powerful, but to uplift the humble.
History, too, remembers such women. During the Liberian civil war, when chaos consumed the land, it was not armies nor politicians who preserved the spirit of the people—it was women, farmers and market traders, who carried food across dangerous roads, who bartered for survival, who gathered in prayer and protest until peace was restored. They had little schooling, yet they possessed wisdom older than books: the knowledge that a nation cannot live if its women are broken.
The ancient world offers its echoes. In the time of Sparta, while warriors marched to battle, it was the women who tilled the fields, kept the hearths, and trained the young. In Rome, while emperors sought conquest, it was the traders in markets who ensured bread reached the people. The great and the powerful may hold the banners of history, but it is the common women, often unnamed, who hold the world together.
Thus, Sirleaf’s words remind us of a sacred duty: to measure the health of a nation not by the wealth of its elites, but by the conditions of its farmers and traders, its women in the informal sector who give strength to all. Let future generations learn this truth—if you wish to build a lasting society, honor those who labor in silence, and ensure that their dignity is guarded. For they are not the least; they are the foundation upon which all else stands.
CVTran Vinh Cat Vien
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's efforts to improve the conditions for women in the informal sector are commendable. However, I’m curious—how are these changes being measured? It’s important that we not only improve working conditions but also ensure that these women can access opportunities for growth and advancement. How do we provide them with tools for economic independence, and ensure that their voices are heard in policymaking that impacts their lives?
LLa
It’s great that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is focusing on improving the working conditions of women in the informal sector, but I think the real challenge is sustaining that change. Many of these women are in precarious situations due to lack of access to resources and support. How can we ensure that these changes continue to benefit future generations of women in the informal sector? Are there any efforts to promote long-term financial education and skill-building for them?
HHCu Huy Hoang
I’m impressed by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s commitment to improving the lives of women in the informal sector. However, it also makes me think: how can we balance short-term improvements with long-term systemic change? Women in these sectors face challenges beyond just poor working conditions, like lack of financial security and access to legal rights. What broader changes can be implemented to create a more inclusive economy that offers true empowerment?
NMPhung Nguyet Minh
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s focus on women in the informal sector is crucial. These women are often the backbone of their communities, yet their voices are rarely heard. While better working conditions are a good first step, I wonder if there is enough emphasis on ensuring these women have access to healthcare, education, and social protections. Can we create a system that supports their entire well-being, rather than just improving their work environments?
PQTinh Phu Qui
I really appreciate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's focus on the informal sector and the women working there. It's easy to overlook the struggles of farmers and traders, especially when they lack formal education. But I wonder—how much of the progress made has been sustainable in the long term? Are these improvements in working conditions truly transformative, or are they temporary fixes that don’t address the root causes of inequality?