Africa-Press – Liberia. The project, supported by the World Bank through the Government of Liberia, will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
Plan International has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Liberian government to launch a transformative $18.6 million initiative aimed at empowering women and girls across the country. The agreement was formalized on February 19, 2025, at Plan International’s headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia, through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
The signing ceremony brought together key stakeholders committed to implementing the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a vital part of Plan International’s broader development strategy. The initiative seeks to uplift women and girls in both urban and rural communities, promoting gender equality and strengthening their rights.
The project, supported by the World Bank through the Government of Liberia, will be implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
Plan International Liberia will serve as the lead service provider (LSP), coordinating efforts with medica Liberia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), KIDS Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), ActionAid Liberia, and Defence for Children International Liberia (DCI).
A Bold Vision for Change
Plan International Liberia, a leading non-governmental organization, has been at the forefront of efforts to advance children’s rights and promote gender equality. With a focus on resilient communities, the organization emphasizes the need to protect, support, and empower women and girls, ensuring they live free from violence and discrimination.
Looking ahead to 2030, Plan International Liberia aims to reach 600,000 girls through four core strategic pillars: Learn, Lead, Decide, and Thrive. Over the past year, the organization has invested significantly in community development, ensuring that girls can access basic rights without discrimination. Plan’s reach extends beyond Monrovia, with field offices in Lofa, Nimba, Margibi, and Bomi counties.
A Commitment to Gender Equality
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Evariste Sindayigaya, Interim Director of Plan International for West and Central Africa, underscored the urgent need to educate and support girls and young women, including young mothers. He emphasized the importance of community infrastructure, waste management, and financial literacy in creating lasting change.
“Today, we are not just signing a contract; we are making a commitment to our communities. Congratulations to us all,” he stated.
Also speaking, Plan International Country Director, Madam Miriam Murray, expressed gratitude to the Government of Liberia for its commitment to repaying the World Bank loan used to fund the project. She also commended the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection for its leadership role in the initiative.
Madam Murray further lauded the implementing partners and all stakeholders for their patience and collaboration in crafting the memorandum of understanding, which she described as a crucial step toward the successful implementation of the project.
“This is the first time this project is being implemented. So, when we succeed, our names will go down in history. Thank you all for your efforts,” she said.
Abdulai Sheriff, Manager of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), outlined three key components of the initiative: combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promoting Social Behavior change and enhancing Economic Empowerment for Women.
Sheriff explained that the social behavior change aspect will be executed in partnership with ActionAid Liberia. Utilizing the globally recognized SASA methodology, developed in Uganda, the project aims to challenge harmful gender norms, prevent GBV, and foster positive social transformation.
Empowering Women Through Skills and Financial Support
The initiative also includes capacity-building programs, skills training, and grants for women entrepreneurs. The project’s budget will be divided into two parts: One portion will fund direct projects led by Plan International, while another portion will provide financial incentives to women-led organizations, supporting their community-driven efforts.
A Nationwide Impact
The project will be implemented in six counties including Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess, Gbarpolu, Bomi and Grand Kru. It is expected to benefit over 200,000 women and girls throughout Liberia through several implementing partners including Actionaid Liberia, Defence for Children International.
Strengthening Support Systems for Women and Girls
Foday Kawah, a partner from Defence for Children International Liberia, emphasized the program’s primary objectives: reducing violence against women and girls in targeted communities, strengthening GBV services to provide better support for survivors and ensuring more girls stay in school by addressing barriers such as early marriage, financial hardships and Enhancing women’s economic independence through skills training and business grants.
“This project is about empowering women and girls, giving them a voice, a space, and opportunities to thrive in society,” Kawah concluded, reinforcing the initiative’s mission to build a more equitable and inclusive future for Liberia.
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