Former First Lady Monica Geingos has emphasized the need for unity across generations, during her recent visit to Liberia.
As Chairperson of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Centre for Women and Development (EJS Centre), Geingos joined global leaders in the Librian capital, Monrovia, to celebrate the Centre’s fifth anniversary, which coincided with International Women’s Day. 
The two-day event, which launched the #GapZero Manifesto on Gender Equality in Public Leadership, highlighted five years of commitment to advancing women’s leadership across Africa under the visionary guidance of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In her address, Geingos underscored the deep ties between history and the ongoing fight for gender equality. “Our past is intertwined, and the fight for liberty relies on institutions. Institutions are run by people, and the innate minds of people run institutions,” she stated. 
Acknowledging the frustration among young women, she noted, “Young women are fed up with older women who they feel conform too easily. The answer lies in intergenerational solidarity. Gender equality must happen at all levels—women are not homogeneous, & inclusion must be truly inclusive.’
“Achieving gender equality requires inclusivity at all levels. Women are not homogeneous, and representation must be broad-based, not limited to particular groups.”
The milestone gathering brought together an influential group, including former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, current Liberian President Joseph Boakai, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Their shared goal: closing the gender gap in leadership and ensuring women play a central role in shaping Africa’s future.
Geingos was particularly direct about the connection between power and financial independence. “Politics decides who gets what and when. Political representation of women is key,” she stressed. “But political freedom is meaningless without economic freedom. Socio-economic realities undermine political progress. If women aren’t involved in the economy and can’t build wealth, who will fund the campaigns of female politicians?” While acknowledging the role of male allies, she argued that the success of women in leadership depends on their access to social, political, and economic capital.
Recognizing these economic realities, the EJS Centre remains committed to equipping women with the skills, networks, and resources needed to ascend into leadership roles. Initiatives like the Amujae Leadership Program continue to break barriers, providing training and support for women to claim their rightful place in public office and beyond.
Citing a powerful example of progress, Geingos highlighted Namibia’s upcoming presidential transition. “In two weeks, Namibia will inaugurate the second elected female President on the African continent, H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,” she said. “Like Madame Sirleaf, she was not elected because she is a woman; she was elected because she was the best candidate.”
Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, used the occasion to launch Musiehjah: The African Women’s House, a tribute to the extraordinary women who have fought for societal change and equal rights at great personal cost. Reaffirming her vision for Africa, Sirleaf declared, “We need five elected women presidents on the continent in the next ten years.” With Nandi-Ndaitwah’s milestone, she noted, only three more are needed to reach that goal.
As the event concluded, Geingos expressed optimism about the future. “What gives me hope is history. Progress is possible when we learn from the past and work collectively to pave the way for a future where women’s voices are central to policy-making and meaningful change.”