[Monrovia, Liberia]—[Saturday, March 8, 2025] In a powerful message released today, the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs) commemorated International Women’s Day by celebrating the strength and vital contributions of women worldwide, with a special emphasis on rural women as key drivers of sustainable development.
Annie Jerrue, President of the NUCFDCs, highlighted the critical role these women play as the backbone of their families, communities, and ecosystems, from the forest communities of Liberia to all corners of the globe.
“Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and vital contributions of women worldwide, with a special focus on rural women who are the unsung heroes of sustainable development,” stated President Jerrue.
In a historic move, Annie Jerrue is the first woman to hold the position of president within the NUCFDCs after its establishment 15 years ago. She proudly noted that women’s voices are not only heard but amplified within the organization, with 5 out of 8 leadership positions held by women.
The NUCFDCs reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying the voices of rural women, ensuring their perspectives shape policies and practices that affect their lives and livelihoods. The organization pledged to fight for their rights, advocating for equal access to land, resources, education, and opportunities.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to amplifying the voices of rural women, ensuring their perspectives shape policies and practices that affect their lives and livelihoods,” President Jerrue emphasized. “We pledge to fight for their rights, advocating for equal access to land, resources, education, and opportunities.”
The message concluded with a call to solidarity, urging recognition and appreciation of the contributions of rural women to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and the well-being of communities worldwide.
“On this International Women’s Day, let us stand in solidarity with these remarkable women. Let us recognize and value their contributions to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and the well-being of communities worldwide. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive,” President Jerrue stated.
About the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs):
The Community Forestry Development Committees (CFDCs) established the NUCFDCs in 2009 to serve as the National Umbrella Organization for these 23 CFDCs in defense of issues affecting forest-dependent communities and to help the communities to know the law, use the law, and shape the law in defense of their rights for forest resources and land rights and manage the forest and natural resources sustainably. The NUCFDCs is a fully registered national institution under Liberian laws with offices in the NGO Coalition Building in Duazohn Village, Margibi County.
Our mission is to promote inclusive decision-making and sustainable management of forest resources, agriculture, and land. Through advocacy, coordination, and partnership, we strive to ensure equitable benefits for affected communities, foster unity, and strengthen linkages with stakeholders to enhance livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
Our vision is “empowered Liberian communities’ harmoniously stewarding forest resources and agricultural lands, fostering prosperity, and preserving natural environment and heritage for future generations.”.
NGO Coalition Resources Building, Duarzohn Village
Margibi County, Republic of Liberia
Contacts: +231776791452 / +231 77 748 5964 | +231777385943
Emails: unionofcfdc2016@gmail.com/anniejerrue@gmail.com | zelemenandrew@gmail.com| abukamara020@gmail.com
Website: https://www.nucfdc.org/
Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054613262974
YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@NUCFDCs
WhatsApp Page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/I6YksVhGiqq284LzgbAdlI
