By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia – Plan Liberia International has kicked off a three-day onboarding workshop for partners involved in the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP). The workshop, which began on March 10, aims to strengthen collaboration and ensure effective implementation of the 36-month project, funded by the World Bank and supported by Liberia’s Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
As the lead service provider, Plan Liberia International is partnering with six association members—CRS, AcidAid Liberia, Media Liberia, DCI, FCI, and KEEP—as well as two professional service providers, Raising Voices and VIAMO. The LWEP seeks to enhance women’s empowerment by addressing social norms, improving livelihoods, and strengthening national institutions.
The LWEP is structured around three key components to be implemented over 36 months: Social Norms and Community Mobilization: This component focuses on addressing gender inequality and intimate partner violence (GBV) at the community level. Health and Education: The project will pilot initiatives to improve adolescent sexual and reproductive health services, combat early marriage and pregnancy, and promote girls’ education through school-led efforts.
3. Economic and Social Empowerment: This component will support women’s livelihoods and provide grants through a community-driven, group-based approach.
Strengthening Partnerships
The onboarding workshop is designed to familiarize all partners with LWEP processes, procedures, and donor requirements. By signing contracts and engaging in collaborative discussions, the partners aim to enhance project implementation and ensure compliance with expectations.
Abdula Sheriff, Project Director for LWEP, provided an overview of the project’s timeline and budget. “The LWEP began in 2024 and will run until September 2027, with a total budget of US$36.6 million,” he explained. “Of this amount, US$18.6 million is allocated for project implementation, while US$18 million will be disbursed as grants to partner organizations.”
The LWEP will be implemented in six counties: Rural Montserrado, Bomi, Gbarpolu, Cape Mount, River Cess, and Grand Gedeh. The project aims to directly benefit 200 individuals, with 36 citizens set to benefit from the livelihoods component.
Sheriff emphasized the transformative potential of the project, stating, “Through the LWEP, we aim to reduce gender-based violence (GBV) in Liberia and empower women and girls by providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.” He added that US$18 million in grants will be distributed to women and girls for small business initiatives across the six counties.
The LWEP represents a significant step forward in Liberia’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. By addressing critical issues such as GBV, education, and economic opportunities, the project aims to create lasting change for women and girls in Liberia.
