Women in rural Liberia are beginning to see new hope as the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), supported by the World Bank and the Government of Liberia, continues to transform lives through grants, agricultural support, and small-business funding.
During a recent field engagement visit in Gbarma Town, Gbarpolu County, the project’s officials met with women groups and local leaders to assess the impact of the initiative and understand the challenges beneficiaries continue to face in sustaining their livelihoods.
Speaking during the interaction, Oliver M. Lavelah emphasized that the program’s central focus is agriculture, rural representation, and improving access to economic opportunities for women, especially those caring for families and supporting their communities.
According to him, strong families create strong communities, and empowering women through government-backed livelihood projects remains a major step toward national development and poverty reduction.
Lavelah narrated that the project, currently being implemented across several counties, including River Gee, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Grand Cape Mount, provides financial assistance to women’s groups involved in farming, food processing, and small-scale businesses.
Ambrose Forpoh, LWEP Livelihood Specialist, disclosed that organized women groups can receive funding support of up to US$8,000, while smaller livelihood groups can access grants ranging from US$2,500 to US$3,200 depending on their structure and activities.
“We are here to recognize your hard work,” one project. You care for your families, you support your communities, and that is what makes communities strong,” Forpoh said.
Speaking, beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, explaining that the support has helped them improve food production, expand small businesses, and better provide for their children’s education and daily needs.
Some women, however, raised concerns over financial limitations, transportation challenges, and the need for increased support to help sustain and grow their businesses beyond the initial grants.
Also, Mirai Maruo, World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, encouraged the women to remain united, continue working together, and use the available resources wisely to ensure long-term impact and community growth.
Madam Maruo further stressed that the project is not only about financial support but also about building confidence, leadership, and stronger participation of women in local development processes.
As Liberia continues its development agenda, the Liberia Women Empowerment Project stands as a powerful reminder that investing in women is investing in stronger homes, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.
