Gbarpolu County, Bokomu District — The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, through the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) and with funding from the World Bank, has distributed livelihood equipment to women-led enterprises and farmer-based organizations in Gbangay Town and Molowamu Town, Bokomu District, Gbarpolu County.
By Patience M. Jones
The distribution forms part of LWEP’s grant support aimed at strengthening women’s economic activities. According to Emmanuel Green, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for LWEP, the equipment provided was requested directly by beneficiaries based on their specific livelihood needs and in line with project guidelines.
“Some women opted for cash grants, while others requested equipment that best supports their businesses and farming activities,” Green explained, noting that all grants were awarded following assessments and verification processes.
The exercise targeted Individual Enterprises (IEs) and Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) that had earlier submitted proposals under the project. Beneficiaries and community members welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and transformative.
In Gbangay Town, Ma Eunice Business Center received a deep freezer and a solar-powered lighting system with a pole. The items were officially handed over to the business owner, Ma. Eunice S. Sellu, by Ms. Khafee B. Fofana, Gender Coordinator for Gbarpolu County.
In Molowamu Town, the Molowamu Women Empowerment Cooperative received a two-wheel tractor (power tiller), delivered by the Lead Service Provider, Plan International Liberia, to enhance the group’s agricultural productivity.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Peter Mulbah, Town Chief of Gbangay, encouraged women in the community to enroll in the project, describing LWEP as genuine and impactful.
“At first, we were hesitant, but today we are seeing the reality of this project. It is real and not fake,” Chief Mulbah said. “This initiative is a light in the darkness. When women are empowered, the entire community and our children benefit.”
Beneficiary Ma. Eunice S. Sellu also urged women to take the project seriously and remain patient, emphasizing that empowerment is a gradual process.
“When LWEP first came, I doubted it. I thought it was another scam, but today I can proudly say the project is real and life-changing,” she said. “With this deep freezer and solar light, I can now sell cold water, soft drinks, and juice, which will help expand my business and improve my family’s living conditions.”
She expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Gender, and the World Bank for the support, noting that the intervention has elevated her standing within her family and community.
For her part, Angeline Ballah, Chairlady of the Molowamu Women Empowerment Cooperative, described the equipment distribution as a milestone for women in the town.
“This is a life-changing moment for us,” Ballah said. “Our cooperative has 20 members 14 women and six men demonstrating that when women are empowered, everyone benefits.”
Ballah disclosed that the cooperative currently cultivates approximately two hectares of land and has harvested about 150 bundles of rice. She noted that the power tiller will significantly reduce labor costs and allow the group to reinvest savings into expanding its farming operations.
“Previously, we paid up to ten workers daily. With this power tiller, we can save money and increase food production,” she added.Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Khafee B. Fofana commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Minister of Gender Madam Gbeme Kollie, the World Bank, Plan International Liberia, and other partners including CRS, ActionAid, DCI, FCI, Raising Voices, Viamo, and Keep Liberia for their continued support.
She emphasized that LWEP is designed to improve the livelihoods of women and girls, reduce poverty, prevent teenage pregnancy, and promote girls’ education.
“This is what the Government of Liberia wants to see women actively engaged in sustainable livelihood activities,” Ms. Fofana said. “What you requested is what we delivered. Use these resources responsibly so that more opportunities can follow through your commitment and hard work.”
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) is a national initiative aimed at strengthening the economic and social empowerment of women, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Implemented through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection with support from the World Bank and development partners, the project focuses on livelihood development, skills training, access to productive assets, and strengthening women’s groups to promote inclusive and sustainable development across Liberia.
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