At 2026 National Cultural Festival, Swedish Ambassador Urges Liberia to End Harmful Practices and Embrace Culture that Empowers Women and Girls

Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Ambassador Karl Backeus has stressed the need for the complete abolition of harmful traditional practices in Liberia. Speaking at the 26th National Ambassador Backeus said Liberia's rich cultural heritage can be preserved without practices that endanger the life of women and girls. 

Referring to Female Genital Mutilation, he maintained that ending harmful traditional practices does not take away Liberia's cultural identity or values. Backeus believes that culture should promote the dignity, safety and rights of every citizen, particularly women and girls. 

The Swedish ambassador also underscored the importance of empowering and educating Liberia women and girls, describing it as essential to the country's development. 

He acknowledged the progress Liberia has made in advancing the rise of women and girls but added that more needs to be done. 

ActionAid Liberia and partners over the weekend hosted the 2026th National Court of Festival at the SKD Gymnasium in Paynesville held under the theme “our cultural outright empowering women and girls. 

The festival celebrated Liberia's rich cultural heritage by promoting the empowerment, safety and wellbeing of women and girls. 

The event featured colorful performances by cultural troops from Bong, Margibi, Grand Gedeh, Gbarpolu, and Montserrado Counties showcasing the country's diverse traditions, through music, dance and drama, spoken and motivational words. 

The gathering brought togethers thousands of Librarians, government officials, development partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the nation’s cultural identity and promote unity through cultural.