The Government of Liberia, in partnership with Plan International Liberia and a coalition of prominent non-governmental organizations, has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women and girls across the nation. This ambitious undertaking, known as the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), is supported by a substantial US$18.6 million grant secured through the World Bank and channeled through the Liberian government. The project represents a concerted effort to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in Liberia, focusing on three core areas: addressing gender-based violence, fostering economic empowerment, and promoting positive social behavior change. Scheduled to unfold over three years, culminating in September 2027, the project’s initial phase covers a one-year period, with subsequent renewals contingent upon successful implementation and demonstrable progress.
The LWEP’s comprehensive approach addresses the complex interplay of factors that perpetuate inequality and limit opportunities for women and girls. The project’s Social Behavior Change (SBC) component, spearheaded by ActionAid Liberia, aims to dismantle harmful gender norms and cultivate a more equitable social landscape. Employing the SASA Together methodology, a globally recognized approach pioneered by Raising Voices Uganda, the project will foster community-led change and challenge deeply ingrained societal attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence. Concurrently, the project will bolster GBV prevention and response mechanisms, strengthening healthcare services for survivors, improving access to education for girls, and combating harmful traditional practices such as early marriage.
Recognizing the crucial link between economic independence and empowerment, the LWEP will provide robust economic empowerment and livelihood support. This includes capacity-building programs designed to equip women-led organizations with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Skills training initiatives will empower women with marketable skills, while grant disbursements will provide direct financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), and farming cooperatives. This multi-pronged approach aims to enhance women’s economic participation and foster sustainable livelihoods. The US$18.6 million budget is strategically allocated to two key areas: project implementation, managed by Plan International Liberia, and grant disbursement, totaling US$18 million, which will directly support women-led organizations, small businesses, and farming cooperatives.
The LWEP will extend its reach to six counties: Rural Montserrado, Bomi, Gbarpolu, River Cess, Grand Kru, and Cape Mount, impacting the lives of over 200,000 women and girls. By focusing on these specific regions, the project aims to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls in these communities and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the country. The project is not merely about providing financial assistance; it aims to empower women and girls to become agents of change within their own communities.
The project’s key objectives, as articulated by Foday Kawah of Defence for Children International Liberia (DCI), encompass reducing violence against women and girls, bolstering GBV service providers to enhance support for survivors, ensuring girls’ continued education by addressing barriers like early marriage and financial constraints, and fostering women’s economic independence through targeted interventions. This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of these issues and strives to create a supportive environment where women and girls can thrive. The ultimate goal is to empower women and girls with the voice, space, and opportunities to transform their lives and contribute to Liberia’s overall development. The anticipated outcome is a significant reduction in GBV cases and increased participation of women in the nation’s economic sphere.
This collaborative project is a testament to the commitment of the Liberian government and its partners to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. The World Bank’s financial support, channeled through the Government of Liberia, underscores the international community’s recognition of the importance of investing in women’s empowerment as a catalyst for sustainable development. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection will provide leadership and oversight, ensuring the project aligns with national priorities and contributes to broader development goals. Plan International Liberia, as the lead service provider, will coordinate the efforts of a consortium of partners, including Medica Liberia, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), KIDS Educational Engagement Project (KEEP), ActionAid Liberia, and Defence for Children International Liberia (DCI). This collaborative approach harnesses the expertise and resources of multiple organizations, maximizing the project’s impact and reach.
The launch of the LWEP signifies a crucial step towards a more equitable and prosperous future for Liberia. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential, this initiative has the potential to transform lives and contribute to the nation’s overall development. The project’s success will hinge on the continued commitment of all stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, and, most importantly, the women and girls whose lives it aims to transform. The LWEP embodies a vision of a Liberia where women and girls are empowered to shape their own destinies and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation as a whole.
