The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a significant initiative aimed at bolstering women’s empowerment within Liberia, has been launched under the leadership of Plan Liberia International (PLI). This ambitious 36-month project, running from 2024 to September 2027, is backed by a substantial US$36.6 million grant from the World Bank, channeled through Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. PLI, acting as the lead service provider, will collaborate with a consortium of six associate members and two professional service providers to execute this multi-faceted project. The associate members include prominent organizations such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS), ActionAid Liberia, Media Liberia, Development Consultants International (DCI), Faith and Credit Initiative (FCI), and Kids Educational Engagement Project (KEEP). Raising Voices and VIAMO, specializing in GBV prevention and mobile technology for development respectively, will provide expert support as professional service providers. This collaborative approach ensures a diverse range of expertise is leveraged to achieve the project’s ambitious goals.
The LWEP is strategically structured around three core components designed to holistically address the challenges women face in Liberia. The first, Social Norms and Community Mobilization, aims to tackle the root causes of gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV), with a particular focus on intimate partner violence. This component will involve community-level interventions to shift harmful social norms and promote gender equality. The second component, Health and Education, will pilot innovative interventions relating to GBV and adolescent sexual and reproductive health services. This will include school-led initiatives to combat early marriage and pregnancy while promoting girls’ education, thereby empowering young women to make informed choices about their lives and futures. The third component, Economic and Social Empowerment, will provide direct support to women’s livelihoods through grants, fostering a community-driven, group-based approach to economic development. This multifaceted approach aims to create sustainable change by equipping women with the resources and skills they need to thrive economically.
The project’s implementation strategy prioritizes collaboration and adherence to stringent donor requirements. PLI has conducted a comprehensive three-day onboarding workshop for all partner organizations, outlining the project’s processes, procedures, and compliance expectations. This crucial step ensures that all stakeholders are aligned with the project’s objectives and understand their respective roles and responsibilities. By fostering a shared understanding of the project’s framework, PLI aims to maximize efficiency and effectiveness throughout the implementation process. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility in achieving the project’s overarching goals.
With a total budget of US$36.6 million, the LWEP allocates US$18.6 million for project implementation, covering operational costs, staff training, and monitoring and evaluation activities. A significant portion, US$18 million, is earmarked for grant disbursement to the associate members, enabling them to implement their specific project activities effectively. This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the World Bank’s and the Liberian government’s dedication to empowering women and fostering gender equality. The targeted investment in local organizations ensures that the project’s benefits reach the grassroots level, empowering women directly and promoting sustainable development.
The LWEP will extend its impact across six counties in Liberia: Montserrado, Bomi, Gbarpolu, Cape Mount, River Cess, and Grand Gedeh. While the initial report mentioned a target of 200 beneficiaries, further clarification is needed regarding the overall reach of the project. The livelihood component, specifically, aims to benefit 36 citizens across the six counties. The selection criteria for these beneficiaries and the specific support they will receive through the livelihood program remain to be detailed. A comprehensive outreach and communication strategy will be crucial to ensure that the project reaches its intended beneficiaries and maximizes its impact on women’s lives.
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project represents a significant investment in the future of Liberian women. By addressing social norms, improving livelihoods, and strengthening national institutions, the LWEP seeks to create a more equitable and just society. The collaborative approach, bringing together a diverse group of organizations and experts, promises a comprehensive and impactful intervention. The project’s focus on community-level engagement and empowerment is crucial for achieving sustainable change. Ultimately, the success of the LWEP will be measured by the tangible improvements in the lives of Liberian women and the progress made towards gender equality.
