Mid-Term Review of Women Empowerment Project Kicks Off in Careysburg

Published: October 24, 2025

Careysburg, Rural Montserrado — The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from the World Bank, has begun the Mid-Term Review of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, commonly known as LWEP.

The review opened with a one-day field visit on Tuesday, October 21, in Frank Town, Careysburg District, bringing together officials from the Ministry, the World Bank, and partner organizations.

Abdulai Sheriff, Lead Service Provider Manager of LWEP at Plan International Liberia, said the exercise seeks to assess progress, achievements, and lessons learned under the project’s five main components — from promoting positive social norms and preventing gender-based violence to improving access to education, health, and women’s livelihoods.

Sheriff revealed that the project is being implemented in 498 communities across six counties, including 99 communities in Rural Montserrado. He said the review will help identify what is working and what needs improvement before moving into the next phase.

He also disclosed that the LWEP is targeting 36,000 beneficiaries with US$18 million in grants across Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Grand Gedeh, and River Cess Counties.

Blossom Hodges, Project Coordinator at the Ministry of Gender, noted that the initiative is being piloted in Montserrado and Gbarpolu Counties, adding that lessons from the review will guide implementation in the remaining four counties. She said the project supports President Boakai’s drive for inclusive development and women’s economic empowerment.

Several beneficiaries praised the Ministry of Gender, Plan International, and the World Bank for what they describe as a life-changing opportunity.

Mamie Jessie, an entrepreneur, said she used her US $1,200 grant to expand her small piggery business and learned new saving habits. Madam Gardea of the Degeagai Village Savings Group said the support has helped farmers and small business owners improve their livelihoods. Others, including Amelia Sheakee and Tina Gortor, also lauded the project for teaching women better business and farming management.

The Liberia Women Empowerment Project, funded through a US$44.6 million World Bank grant, seeks to empower women and girls through education, health, livelihoods, and participation in community decision-making.

Participants in the mid-term review included the Ministry’s Project Implementation Unit, the World Bank Team, Plan International Liberia, and partner organizations — ActionAid Liberia, CRS, Medica Liberia, Defence for Children International, Foundation for Community Initiatives, Kids Education Engagement Project (KEEP), and VIAMO.