GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA – The quiet hills of Gbarnga are alive with anticipation this morning as Liberia prepares to host the National Cultural Festival—a vibrant and timely gathering that promises not only to showcase tradition, but to spark dialogue and drive change. Held under the theme “Celebrating Culture and Empowering Change,” the one-day event takes place today, June 6, at the David Kuyon Sports Stadium in Bong County.
Organized by ActionAid Liberia, in partnership with the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and with the generous support of the Swedish Embassy, the festival is poised to bring together communities from across the country in a celebration that merges heritage with advocacy.
Media Briefing Held Ahead of the Festival
In preparation for today’s festivities, organizers and partners addressed the media on Thursday, June 5, during a live broadcast on Super Bongese Radio 104.9 FM. The broadcast served as both a prelude and a public awareness tool, reaching thousands across Bong County. It focused on key issues surrounding cultural preservation, gender equality, and the rights of women and girls.
A Platform for Cultural Pride and Social Transformation
At its core, the festival is more than a colorful display of traditional dances, songs, and attire—it is a strategic platform for reflection and advocacy. The event draws participants from Montserrado, Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Gbapolu, and beyond, uniting them in a call to honor Liberia’s rich cultural tapestry while confronting harmful practices still present in some rural communities.
Traditional leaders, civil society actors, youth groups, and local officials are expected to attend and contribute to an ongoing dialogue on how culture can serve as a bridge—not a barrier—to empowerment and social progress.
MadamWillet Salue, Program Coordinator at ActionAid Liberia, stressed the importance of embracing culture as a source of strength. “Our culture is beautiful and colorful. We want to ensure that we uplift and cherish it, especially by engaging our chiefs, elders, and youth,” she said. Delphine Morris, Liaison at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, reflected on how traditional values shaped her upbringing. “I hold a Master’s degree, and I still love the kitchen. I learned to care for my home through our culture,” she shared, highlighting the need for cultural practices to evolve in ways that empower today’s girls and women. Pleiwon, Project Officer with the Liberia Women Empowerment Network, called for critical reflection. “We must showcase the good aspects of our traditions. But we must also openly talk about the harmful practices like early marriage and early pregnancy, which limit the potential of our girls,” she urged.
Their messages echoed a shared commitment: to use today’s festival as a platform not only for cultural celebration but also for honest dialogue about the intersections of tradition, gender, and development.
Culture as a Catalyst for Empowerment
The speakers agreed that while culture is a pillar of identity, it must not become a tool of limitation. Concerns were raised about bush school schedules conflicting with academic calendars, and the continued underrepresentation of women in community leadership.
“Culture should not be used to limit women and girls,” emphasized Madam Morris. “We are not in competition with men. We want to reform harmful norms while respecting tradition.”
The conversation reinforced that this movement is not about rejecting heritage but reimagining it through a rights-based lens. As one speaker noted: “We’re not telling communities to abandon culture. We’re saying: let’s work together to improve it. Culture is dynamic—it evolves.”
Leadership and Community Support
Local leadership remains instrumental to the festival’s success. Organizers extended gratitude to Honorable Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, City Mayor Gallah Varpilah, and traditional authorities throughout Bong County for their continued support and engagement.
“Today, we want to see chiefs, elders, traditional male and female leaders coming together in one voice,” said a participant during Thursday’s radio discussion. “They are not just attending—they are leading the conversation.”
An Invitation to All Liberians
Citizens from across Liberia are encouraged to attend today’s National Cultural Festival dressed in their finest traditional wear—African lappa, country cloth, and vibrant red attire—as a symbol of national pride and unity.
The program promises a lively blend of traditional performances, drama, music, and community discussions, making it not just a celebration, but a collective call to action.
As the drums begin to beat and the people of Gbarnga gather in song and solidarity, this festival reminds us that Liberia’s future shines brightest when its traditions are preserved—and its people, especially women and girls, are free to thrive.
