Montserrado, Liberia – The World Bank Country Manager for Liberia, Madam Georgia Wallen, has called on Liberian women to lead with integrity, unite for progress and invest in their children as part of efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
By Patience M. Jones
She made the remarks on Friday during a field visit to Zannah Town, Todee District, Montserrado County, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) in collaboration with implementing partners of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP).
The visit highlighted progress made by women-led businesses and Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) that recently benefited from LWEP’s Economic Support and Livelihood Grant program. Beneficiaries, including groups such as “God is With Us VSLAs #1 and #2,” “Loyalty Saving and Loan Association,” “Eat Some and Keep Some” and “Willekemah VSLA” as well as individual enterprises like the Fatu Kolleh, Jessica, Kabbah Akoi, and Muasue Business Centers, shared inspiring testimonies of growth, resilience and determination.
Despite facing discouragement along the way, many women expressed joy and pride in being part of what they described as a “life-changing opportunity.”
A Call for Integrity and Unity
In a powerful message, Madam Wallen urged women to see themselves as vital agents of national transformation.
“When you invest in women, you invest in the future of the country. Liberia’s rise requires Liberian women. We believe in you, and this is just the beginning,” she declared.
She emphasized three pillars of empowerment: self-belief, unity, and opportunity and commended beneficiaries for embracing training in investment, record-keeping, and money management.
“Projects may come and go, but the empowerment you carry will move Zannah Town and Liberia forward,” she added.
Madam Wallen also stressed the importance of accountability, noting that project funds come from taxpayers. “The resources must be used wisely for the benefit of Liberians,” she said, encouraging women not only to grow their businesses but also to invest in the next generation.
“Invest, grow, and invest in the children, because they are the ones who will lift Liberia,” she urged.
Achievements and Impact
Providing a project update, Ambrose S. Forpoh, Lead Livelihood Specialist at Plan International Liberia, explained that LWEP’s Component Three focuses on strengthening women-led enterprises and community-based livelihood initiatives. Implemented jointly by Plan International, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Foundation for Community Initiatives (FCI), the component targets VSLAs, individual enterprises, farm-based organizations, and livelihood groups.
So far, 4,041 applicants have been approved, with disbursements totaling USD 117,500 across six counties, including Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Rivercess, Grand Gedeh, and Gbarpolu. Beneficiaries receive between USD 1,000 and USD 8,000 in grants, depending on the size and type of enterprise.
Partners Express Gratitude
Madam Victoria Trokon Koiquah, Business and Development Manager of ActionAid Liberia, speaking on behalf of the organization’s Country Director, applauded the World Bank, the Ministry of Gender, and all partners for their leadership.
In a spirited rally to women, she declared: “Women oh women, don’t just sit there start doing something with serious men. And for the unserious men? You kick them out!”
Koiquah praised the women for their active participation but reminded them that accountability is key. “Corruption doesn’t only exist at the government level; it begins in our homes and communities. The money given through village savings must revolve; it is not meant for one person to take and finish. It should rotate, benefit everyone, and strengthen the entire group,” she stressed
She further noted ActionAid’s work in Component 1B, which focuses on community mobilization and establishing Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs), assuring beneficiaries of continued support.
Also speaking, Madam Glymis Cummings John, Country Representative of CRS, thanked the World Bank and implementing partners for their collective effort in making Liberian women “count, visible, and empowered.”
“To the women, I want to encourage you to keep pushing forward. This is just the beginning. Keep supporting one another, keep encouraging one another. Everything you have learned from the training, please keep using it, keep applying it, and you will continue to see results,” she said.
Cummings John emphasized sustainability beyond the project’s closure: “One year from now, two years from now, even five years from now when the project is closed, we want to see your businesses standing and still booming. We believe in you, and we know you can do it.”
Looking Ahead
The LWEP continues to serve as a beacon of economic transformation, providing women with tools, resources, and knowledge to drive lasting change. With the combined efforts of the World Bank, the Government of Liberia, and local partners, Liberian women are positioned to strengthen livelihoods, support their families, and inspire future generations.
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