Published: January 26, 2026
Todee, Rural Montserrado — More than 50 women in Nyehn Town, Todee District, are benefiting from a World Bank–funded Women’s Empowerment Project aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening community development in Rural Montserrado County.
The initiative, implemented through a consortium of partners led by Plan International Liberia in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, is part of the Liberia Women’s Empowerment Project (LWEP), a US$44.6 million program financed by the World Bank and operating across six counties.
The impact of the project was highlighted Wednesday during a grant-signing ceremony for Component Three of LWEP and a technical working visit by Plan International UK. The event brought together government officials, international partners, community leaders and beneficiaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Plan International Liberia Country Director Miriam Murray praised the community’s commitment and ownership of the project.
“This project would not be where it is today without your dedication, participation and support,” Murray said. “Communities that take development seriously become examples for others. When you succeed, you become ambassadors who show what is possible.”
Murray said the project goes beyond promises and is backed by tangible resources, noting that access to funding is critical for growth. She added that documentation from the event would be shared widely to demonstrate impact and attract future opportunities.
During the technical visit, Plan International UK Director of Programmes Tsungai Mahumucha expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the women beneficiaries and commended their effective use of project resources.
“I am inspired and impressed by what I have seen and heard here today,” Mahumucha said. “When communities take responsibility and move forward together, sustainability is ensured.”
Mahumucha also urged families to prioritize education, particularly for girls, and warned against early marriage and school dropouts. She encouraged men to serve as gender champions in the fight against gender-based violence and applauded the community’s zero tolerance for abuse.
Welcoming the delegation, Benedict Nyan, Montserrado County coordinator at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, reaffirmed government ownership of the project. He said LWEP supports 55 Village Savings and Loan Association groups, each receiving US$4,000, in addition to loans and training for individual businesses.
For many beneficiaries like Ma Fatu, the project has brought significant improvements to their livelihoods, Ma Fatu said the project transformed her small rice business.
“Before, I was selling rice by the cup. Now, I sell wholesale and in sealed bags,” Fatu said. “I can now pay my children’s school fees and provide for my family.”
LWEP aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development by promoting gender-responsive growth and strengthening the resilience and agency of Liberian women and girls.
As the project expands across Montserrado and other counties, partners say empowering women with skills, resources and community support is helping to transform households, strengthen local economies and demonstrate that when women thrive, communities move forward.
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