By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – Plan International has launched the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a three-year initiative aimed at transforming social norms and improving livelihoods for women in six counties across Liberia.
Plan Liberia International, as the lead service provider, will be implementing the 36 months Liberia Women Empowerment Project in partnership with six association members which includes, CRS, AcidAid Liberia, Medic Liberia, DCI, FCI and KEEP and also two professional service providers, Raising Voices and VIAMO.
The launching event which held in Sinkor at the Corina Hotel begins Monday March 10, 2025 and ends on Thursday, March 13, 1025, brought together stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, donors, and development partners, with funding from the World Bank.
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is a $36.6 million investment in promoting women’s employment and fostering gender equality. Of the amount, $18.6 million is allocated for project implementation, while $18 million will be directed toward grants.
The first potion of the project will deal with Social Norms and Community Mobilization which is the addressing of gender inequality and GBV (intimate partner violence) at the community level, second Health and Education, pilots GBV and adolescent sexual and reproductive health Services, alongside school -led efforts on early marriage, pregnancy and girls’ education.
Addressing the occasion Plan International Liberia Country Director, Miriam Murray, encouraged women to embrace their roles as change makers within their communities.
She emphasized the importance of accountability, visibility, and commitment, urging attendees to recognize their potential and the broader impact they can have on society.
“This project is not just for us, but for the women of Liberia, and it is not merely a grant it is a loan to the government, and we must ensure responsible management and measurable outcomes,” she said.
She highlighted the need to challenge long-standing societal attitudes that hinder women’s progress.
Lamenting the common saying for boys’ education over girls, the Plan International Country Director narrated by saying, “Parents often say, ‘Let the boy go to school; the girl will find someone to marry.’ We must shift this mind-set and ensure that girls have equal access to education and opportunities.”
She stressed the importance of increasing female leadership and representation within the initiative by saying, “This is a women’s empowerment project. If we are seeking housewives, we should not be looking for men.
While encouraging participants to actively engage in the training sessions, Madam Murray urged them to remain dedicated and focused to achieve meaningful results.
“We are all ambassadors of this project. The knowledge you gain here should be shared widely to drive change in our communities,” she added.
As the Liberia Women Empowerment Project embarks on its mission, Madam Murray reaffirmed Plan International and its partners’ commitment to uplifting women, strengthening communities and contributing to Liberia’s development.
She noted by saying, “When we empower women, we empower families and communities, and together we can build a stronger Liberia.
For his part, Abdulla Sheriff project director for LWEP stated that the project will target two hundred beneficiaries and 36 citizens will be benefiting from the livelihoods component from across the six Counties.
He disclosed that the project will run from 2024 to 2027, the initiative will focus on empowering women in Lower Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, River Cess, Gbarpolu, Bomi, and Grand Kru counties.
Abdulla Sheriff project director for LWEP said Liberia benefits from 36 months project, where the Minimization of GBV of Liberia girls will be decrease in Liberia, and also two women and girls will be receiving US$ 18 million dollars for small businesses in the six Counties as at large.
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