Todee District, Montserrado County — As part of national activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the theme: “Unite to End Violence: Protecting All Women and Children in Our Communities and Digital Spaces,” the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) recently led a high-level delegation to Nyehn Town, Todee District, Rural Montserrado County.
By Patience M. Jones
The delegation was led by Gbeme Horace Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, joined by Georgia Wallen, World Bank Country Manager to Liberia along with LWEP service providers headed by Plan International Liberia, the project’s Lead Service Provider. Other implementing partners, including ActionAid Liberia, CRS, and others , also formed part of the mission.
LWEP, funded by the World Bank, supports women’s economic empowerment, strengthens positive social norms, enhances GBV prevention and response mechanisms, and promotes accountability within communities.
Delegation Engages Women, Local Leaders and Service Providers
The one-day field mission brought together women-led Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), SASA! The delegation visited the Todee Police Station, the Todee Medical Center, and the Magistrate Court to assess local GBV response mechanisms.
Beneficiaries shared testimonies demonstrating how LWEP’s grants, trainings, and community-based interventions are reducing poverty, strengthening livelihoods, and improving gender-responsive services.
Delegates also observed live demonstrations of the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and GBV referral pathways, which ensure accountability and protect the rights of women and girls.
Significant Support to Rural Women Through VSLAs
A focal point of the visit was the recognition of eight women-led VSLAs in Rural Montserrado that recently received a combined USD 32,000 in first-tranche grants. These VSLAs include:
Laila Village Savings, Willekemah, Fairness VSLA, Kukatune, Quapaigeh VSLA, Try and See Savings, Leesaye Savings and Peace Mother Club.
The 230 members (199 women and 31 men) are using the grants to expand microbusinesses, boost agricultural production, strengthen savings habits, and enhance household resilience.
Beneficiaries Share Inspiring Success Stories
Speaking on behalf of the Quapaigeh VSLA, Catherine Cisco shared that the group started in 2022 with 31 members saving as low as LRD 200–300. Many lost hope due to economic hardship and fear of scams. However, after LWEP entered their community, the women received financial literacy training, business development guidance, and coaching on accountability.
“They told us not to invest in alcohol business, not to buy motorbikes, and not to burn coal,” she said. “We learned that business is not friendship you must manage your own resources.”
Today, every member of the Quapaigeh VSLA owns and operates a small business, supporting their families and revitalizing the community. Cisco thanked the Government, World Bank, and implementing partners and appealed for expansion to reach more communities.
Laila Village Savings Club: From 10 Members to Thriving Entrepreneurs
Madam Tenneh Varney, Chairlady of the Laila Village Savings Club, highlighted that her group began in 2023 with only 10 members. After being selected for LWEP, CRS provided training on accountability, income management, and investment planning.
Despite initial doubts, the group received USD 4,000 and invested in cassava farming, pepper production, and petty trading.
“Before, I used to sell pepper by the pint. Today, I sell it by the bucket,” she said proudly. “We are growing. This project has changed our lives.”
She expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Gender, World Bank, Plan International, and partners for empowering rural women with financial and knowledge resources.
Plan International Liberia Commends Beneficiaries’ Progress
Madam Mirriam Murray, Country Representative of Plan International Liberia, applauded the beneficiaries for their discipline, unity, and record-keeping.
“You are your own ambassadors,” she told the women. “Today, you explained your journey so well – much better than any report. You are the evidence of what empowerment looks like.”
She emphasized that LWEP’s sustainability depends on beneficiaries continuing the work beyond the project cycle.
World Bank Country Manager Praises Community for Exemplifying Empowerment
In her remarks, Madam Georgia Wallen noted that Nyehn Town demonstrated four powerful lessons of women’s empowerment:
Start Small, Grow Big – Confidence and wise investment drive transformation.
The Power of Learning – Training and knowledge fuel sustainable growth.
Unity is Strength – Collective action through VSLAs amplifies impact.
Empowered Women Invest in the Future – Women prioritize their children’s education and community development.
She encouraged the community to become a national success story
“Let Nyehn Town be the example of what happens when women are empowered and supported.”
Minister of Gender Celebrates Women’s Growth and Accountability
In her keynote address, Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie expressed deep satisfaction with the testimonies, noting that beneficiaries demonstrated not just success- but true understanding of the project’s principles.
“I am impressed that you are not only receiving the money, but using it wisely,” she said. “You are applying lessons on record keeping, accountability, and choosing businesses with less competition.”
The Minister clarified that the Liberian Government borrowed the LWEP funding from the World Bank specifically to uplift rural women:
“The government went to the World Bank and said, ‘Our people are suffering. Help us help them improve their lives.’ This money is for you- and the government will repay it.”
She emphasized transparency, responsibility, and the intention to expand LWEP to more counties based on demonstrated success.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Violence and Advancing Women’s Rights
The field mission underscored the Government of Liberia’s commitment- through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection- alongside the World Bank and implementing partners, to strengthen women’s empowerment, improve GBV prevention systems, and promote safer communities.
Citizens are reminded to report incidents of violence through GBV Hotline: 116 (free & confidential) and LWEP Feedback & Grievance Line: 4433.
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