Africa-Press – Liberia. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), with funding support from the World Bank, has commenced the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote women’s economic and social advancement across the country.
As part of the review exercise, a high-level delegation visited Yangaryah Town, Gbarma District, Gbarpolu County where project beneficiaries showcased how the initiative has transformed their lives and communities through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), Individual Enterprises (IEs) and Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs).
Communities Driving Change
The field visit brought together representatives from the Ministry of Gender, the World Bank, implementing partners and community members. Beneficiary groups in attendance included Nunwinbehgoon (Let Us Be Together) Agriculture Group (FBO), Maima Siryon Business Center (IE), Donayana (We Will Do It) Multipurpose Agricultural Cooperative (FBO), Carrying Thing Forward Village Savings (VSLA), Siahdayiah Village Savings Club (VSLA) and Bendu Business Center (IE).
These community-led groups are part of the growing network of women and youth empowered under LWEP to lead income-generating ventures, strengthen local agriculture, and build financial independence.
Empowering the Next Generation
The review team also visited Zuo Town in Gbarpolu County to observe activities of the Girls’ Club (Sub-component 2b). The girls presented a short demonstration and engaged the delegation in discussions about their aspirations, challenges, and the impact of the program on their lives.
Empowerment in Action: Voices from the Field
Madam Fatu Kabah, Chairlady of Donayana (We Will Do It) Cooperative, recounted how her group’s determination paid off.
“When we began in 2021, life was hard. We collected food to survive. Now, through LWEP, we are growing corn, pepper, bitter ball, eggplant, and okra. We are thankful to the Ministry, the World Bank, and all partners for helping us build our own source of livelihood.”
Madam Hawa Gballay Varney, Chairlady of Nunwinbehgoon Agriculture Group, reflected on her group’s resilience and progress.
“We started from nothing. Sometimes, we worked for a cup of rice a day,” she recalled. “But through LWEP’s support, we moved from one plot of rice to 20 acres of farmland.
Our goal now is to reach 30 acres. Our group of 27 members19 women and 8 men received US$2,800, and today we are feeding ourselves and our community.”
Madam Maima Siryon, a mother of seven and CEO of the Maima Siryon Business Center, shared her personal journey of transformation through the project.
“Before LWEP, my business was just hand-to-mouth. I didn’t believe at first because many organizations came before, collected our names, and gave false promises,” she said. “But this time, it was real. I received support for my business idea half of the US$2,500 I requested and today I can send my children to school. Three of them are now in university. This program changed my life and my family’s future.”
Tracking Progress and Strengthening Implementation The Mid-Term Review evaluates progress across the project’s five core components: Promoting positive social norms and preventing gender-based violence; Strengthening community engagement and citizen participation; Expanding access to education and health services for women and girls; Promoting resilient livelihoods and women’s economic empowerment; Enhancing institutional capacity, accountability, and knowledge management.
Participants in the review include the MGCSP Project Implementation Unit, World Bank Team, and implementing partners such as Plan International Liberia (Lead Service Provider) and its consortium partners — ActionAid Liberia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Medica Liberia, Defence for Children International (DCI), Foundation for Community Initiatives (FCI), Kids Education Engagement Project (KEEP) Liberia, and VIAMO.
The MTR aims to consolidate lessons learned, identify best practices, and recommend adjustments to enhance project delivery and impact. The review process will conclude with a wrap-up meeting involving the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the World Bank Team, and implementing partners to define key priorities for the remaining implementation period.
About the Liberia Women Empowerment Project
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) is a US$44.6 million World Bank-funded initiative designed to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across six counties — Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, and River Cess.
The project focuses on improving women’s access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, while fostering inclusive participation in decision-making processes.
Commitment to Gender Equality
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for collaboration and ensuring that Liberia upholds its national and international commitments to gender equality, women’s rights, and inclusive development.
“The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is not just about funding it’s about changing lives, building confidence, and ensuring that women and girls have a voice and a future,” the Ministry noted.
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