Karnga-Lawrence Challenges Women to Lead With Integrity

President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has called on women serving in leadership positions across government and private institutions to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and performance. Speaking at the first-ever retreat of the Liberian Senate Women’s Association, held over the weekend on Capitol Hill, the Grand Bassa County Senator emphasized that women in leadership must “shoulder the responsibility” of setting examples through results-driven actions and ethical conduct. 

“We have to perform to the extent where women can see the value of themselves and appreciate the leadership that they will see in us,” said Karnga-Lawrence. “Integrity, performance, and accountability are not optional they are the foundation of true leadership.” The one-day retreat, themed “Holding Together as Senate Women,” brought together several distinguished officials, including Rep. Ellen Attoh Wreh, Chairperson of the Women’s Legislative Caucus of Liberia, and Hon. Gbeme Horace, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. Senators Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County and Dabah M. Varpliah were also in attendance, along with senior legislative staff and invited guests.

 According to organizers, the historic retreat was designed to foster collaboration, unity, and stronger leadership among female legislators. Presentations were delivered by McCarthy Weh, Director of the Legislative Information Service, and Cllr. Edmund P. Wright, Director of the Senate’s Legal Affairs Department, focusing on effective governance, communication, and legislative ethics. In her remarks, Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence reflected on her own leadership experience in the Senate, noting that women bring unique strengths to leadership, including compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to unity. “Women are caring, non-discriminatory, and natural unifiers,” she stated. 

“Today, the Liberian Senate stands as one of the most stable institutions in the country, and that is a testament to what women’s leadership can achieve when guided by integrity and teamwork.” She encouraged her colleagues to replicate similar leadership principles within their respective areas of service, stressing that women have the power to influence stability, peace, and development when they lead with honesty and diligence. “If I can count on you, I believe all of you can do the same,” she urged. “Let us not remain static—let us build on what we have started and continue to prove that women’s leadership is not only impactful but transformative.” 

The Senate Pro Tempore further called on women leaders nationwide to set a “classic roadmap” for others to follow—one grounded in results and the demonstration of tangible progress. She emphasized that Liberia’s development depends on leadership that embodies transparency and service, particularly from women who hold key positions of trust. The retreat concluded with renewed commitments from members of the Senate Women’s Association to strengthen collaboration, mentorship, and performance across legislative and public service spaces.

Author: Zac T. Sherman