MONROVIA, Liberia – Former Minister of Public Works Ruth Coker-Collins has strongly condemned remarks attributed to former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) partisan Dr. Lester Tenny against Ms. Pauleta Wie, describing them as an attack on women’s dignity and their rightful place in public leadership.
In a statement issued under the theme “Women in Politics: All Women Deserve Respect,” Collins expressed deep disappointment over Tenny’s response to recent comments made by Wie, particularly the alleged suggestion that women attain positions of public responsibility through sexual relationships.
She argued that such remarks reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the professional achievements of Liberian women who have earned leadership positions through education, competence, hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to national service.
While acknowledging Tenny’s right to disagree with Wie’s public statements, Collins stressed that political differences should be addressed through facts, reasoned arguments, and constructive criticism rather than personal attacks, sexual insinuations, or references to a woman’s private life.
She maintained that Wie, like every other public figure, should be assessed on the substance of her arguments, public conduct, and professional record, rather than subjected to comments that seek to undermine her personal dignity.
The former minister further expressed concern about the implications of such remarks, particularly given Tenny’s reported role as an educator at the University of Liberia. She emphasized that educators and public figures have a responsibility to promote respectful engagement and demonstrate values worthy of emulation by younger generations.
Collins questioned the message such comments send to female university students aspiring to become legislators, ministers, professionals, and national leaders, warning that the normalization of degrading language could discourage women’s participation in public affairs.
She consequently called on Tenny to retract the offensive remarks and issue a public apology to Wie and other women affected by the statements.
Collins also urged political leaders across party lines, including members of the opposition, to condemn the use of derogatory language against women, emphasizing that respect for women should not be determined by political affiliation, personal relationships, or differences of opinion.
She reaffirmed that women in politics must be able to express their views, engage in public debate, compete for political office, and assume leadership responsibilities without having their dignity questioned.
“We may disagree politically, but we must never abandon our humanity and respect for one another,” Collins stated.
She stressed that Liberia needs a political culture in which public officials and political actors are challenged on their ideas, policies, and records rather than through personal insults.
“Respect for women is not a political favor; it is a matter of principle,” she concluded.
