A powerful wave of gratitude, hope, and renewed determination swept through Nyan Town, Todee District, as leaders from the Government of Liberia, the World Bank, and implementing partners joined beneficiaries of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) to celebrate remarkable progress in women’s economic transformation across rural Montserrado.
What began as a quiet intervention has quickly grown into a model of community-driven success, with women testifying to how small grants, financial literacy, and unity have transformed their homes, businesses, and confidence. Representatives from Plan International and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, emphasized that although the government and World Bank provided the financial backbone for the project, its true success lies in the hands of the beneficiaries.
“This project came because your government cried on your behalf. The World Bank listened, and they trusted Plan to work with you. But the power of this project is in your hands. When someone washes your back, you must wash yourself well,” Minister Gbeme Horrace Kollie said. Minister Horrace Kollie reminded beneficiaries that although the money reaches them as grants, the Government of Liberia borrowed the funds at interest to provide relief and expects the women to use the opportunity wisely for growth, impact, and sustainability.
The Minister of Gender urged beneficiaries to continue using the grants responsibly, reminding them that the project’s impact could pave the way for expansion to other counties. “You are moving from zero to hero. If you use this money well, you will not be doing it for the government or Plan, you will be doing it for yourself,” she added.
For her part, Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager, praised the women for demonstrating the core pillars of empowerment. “You are the VIPs of this project. Your joy is our joy. You have shown us what empowerment looks like, believing in yourself, using what you have, and investing in your children. Nyan Town is becoming a success story because of you,” Madam Wallen stated.
Women’s groups such as Papa Gear shared inspiring stories of resilience, sacrifice, and growth since starting their savings clubs as far back as 2022. They spoke openly about the struggles of “catching hand” and the breakthrough that came when their records placed them among the groups qualified to receive LWEP support. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project operating across six counties, continues to attract national attention as beneficiaries emerge as ambassadors, proof that when women are empowered, communities rise.
