Bangkok--11 Jun--CIPE
THE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE invites you to a roundtable discussion on The Role of Business in Consolidating Liberia’s Democracy with Mr. Sam Mitchell President of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA)
Ms. Maureen Shaw Vice President for Administration of LIBA and Director of Women Empowerment in Business (WEB)
Liberia took a giant step towards a new era of democratic stability when it elected President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in 2005 as Africa’s first woman head of state. However, decades of misrule and years of conflict have left huge challenges for the new government: extreme poverty, high unemployment, and infrastructure decay. Liberia’s economy is dominated by foreign-owned business, and indigenous entrepreneurs remain marginalized. In Liberia’s climate of reform, how can indigenous entrepreneurs, as an important component of civil society, help consolidate democracy and bring economic prosperity? What is the role of women in business in today’s post-war Liberia? Join us as Mr. Sam Mitchell and Ms. Maureen Shaw of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) discuss how indigenous business associations are making their voice heard in Liberia’s democratic process.
Mr. Samuel Mitchell, Jr. has been the President of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) since 2001. LIBA is the umbrella organization for Liberian owned business in Liberia. LIBA has been part of the World Bank’s initiative to promote public private dialogue on reform-related issues in Liberia. Mr. Mitchell holds a degree in Business Administration from Polytechnic of Central London (now the University of Westminster).
Maureen La-vonne Shaw is the Vice-President for Administration of LIBA and Director of Women Empowerment in Business (WEB). She is a professional dressmaker and designer, and a graduate of the prestigious Maison Sapho School of New York City, NY. She hosts a popular annual fashion show in Liberia, The Aquarius Collection, and has represented Liberia at international trade fairs. Maureen is also a dedicated leader and supporter for Liberian-owned business, particularly indigenous women-owned business.
12:00 - 2:00 PM - Thursday, June 14, 2007
Center for International Private Enterprise
Madison Building
1155 15th Street, NW - Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20005
*Lunch will be served*
To RSVP for this event, email [email protected]