The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) has wrapped up a series of intensive consultations and stakeholder engagements across Gbarpolu County, marking a significant step towards the full implementation of the World Bank-sponsored initiative worth US$44.6 million.
Over three days, the project convened in Bopolu City, Bokomu, and Gbarma, brought together diverse local leaders, farmers, fishmongers, and members of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VLSAs) from Electoral Districts #1,2, and 3.
The consultations, held in town halls across the districts, aimed to garner community insights and perspectives essential for shaping the project’s rollout.
With an ambitious agenda, the LWEP is poised to impact 267,200 beneficiaries across six counties: Gbarpolu, Bomi, Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Rivercess, and Montserrado.
The project’s objectives encompass fostering positive social norms, enhancing basic services in health and education, promoting resilient livelihoods through community-led approaches, and strengthening public institutions to advance gender equality.
“A total of 36,000 women are expected to benefit directly from livelihood support and grants under the LWEP,” emphasized Abraham Varney, Country Lead for the project in Liberia.
Varney highlighted the pivotal role of these engagements in identifying local challenges and crafting tailored solutions to empower women economically and socially.
Local stakeholders expressed gratitude to the Liberian government and the Ministry of Gender for selecting Gbarpolu County as a focal area for this transformative initiative.
Musu M. Kamara, Coordinator for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection in Gbarpolu County, hailed the LWEP as a timely intervention that promises to uplift communities and enhance livelihoods amidst prevalent challenges.
Participants at the engagements offered valuable recommendations aimed at ensuring the project’s effectiveness and transparency.
Jestina V. Dukuly, the first female Commissioner of Bopolu City, emphasized the importance of local agricultural expertise in project execution, advocating for meaningful inclusion of local stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Similarly, stakeholders like Musa D. Kamara, Commissioner of Gbarma District, underscored the need for rigorous beneficiary selection and oversight to prevent misallocation of resources.
“We need proper assessments to ensure that those who truly need assistance benefit,” Kamara urged, echoing sentiments shared by many grassroots participants.
Fatu Swaray, a farmer from Gbarma Town, called for practical measures to verify beneficiaries’ eligibility and genuine need.
Her concerns mirrored those of other farmers and VLSA members who stressed the importance of rigorous training and monitoring to prevent misuse of project funds.
In response to these inputs, project coordinators and civil society leaders affirmed their commitment to transparency and effective governance.
“Your suggestions will guide our monitoring and evaluation efforts to ensure accountability throughout the project’s lifecycle,” assured Cllr. Margaret Nigba Gayedyu, National Coordinator of the LWEP, in her closing remarks.
The LWEP’s inclusive approach and community-centered strategies underscore its potential to drive sustainable development and gender equality in Liberia.
The implementation progress, it is being optimistic that the project will deliver tangible benefits to women and communities, paving the way for broader socioeconomic empowerment across the country.
The project’s success hinges on collaborative efforts and continuous engagement with local communities to address their unique needs and aspirations effectively.
By: Blamo N. Toe / Contributor
