Liberia Women Empowerment Project Reports Strong Progress in First Half of Implementation
September 18, 2025
Monrovia: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has announced major strides under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a five-year, US$44.6 million initiative designed to reduce poverty, empower women, and uplift rural communities across six counties.
According to the Ministry, in just its first phase of implementation, the LWEP has reached 432 out of 498 targeted communities an 87% coverage rate that Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie says demonstrates the project’s momentum despite an initially delayed start.
“We are proud of the remarkable progress this project has made in a relatively short period,” Minister Horace-Kollie said at a press briefing in Monrovia. “By reaching 87 percent of targeted communities within the first year, we have laid a strong foundation for expanding the program to every corner it was designed to reach.”
Community Engagement and Social Change
As part of its community-driven approach, the LWEP has established 393 community grievance redress committees, along with two county-level and one national-level body. These are intended to build trust and ensure accountability.
At the grassroots level, 137 community activists and 93 community leaders have been recruited to lead dialogues on gender-based violence prevention and positive social norms. In addition, 24 stigma-reduction dialogues have already been held, with 340 community influencers engaged in gender equality advocacy.
Minister Horace-Kollie noted that these efforts are reshaping community attitudes: “We are seeing real shifts in how people view harmful norms. Communities are embracing survivor-centered approaches and rejecting violence as acceptable. This is a clear sign of progress.”
Education and Safety for Girls
Under Component 2 of the project, more than 20,000 people have taken part in community conversations and safety audits to protect women and girls. Results show a 60% positive shift in attitudes toward issues such as victim-blaming.
The project has also mapped 96 schools in Rural Montserrado and Gbarpolu as entry points for mentorship, health clubs, and girl-centered initiatives. “By keeping girls safe in schools and communities, we are investing in Liberia’s future,” Minister Horace-Kollie stressed.
Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment
A key highlight of the first year is the disbursement of US$137,000 in livelihood cash grants to 43 women-led groups in Gbarpolu and Rural Montserrado counties, benefiting 1,273 individual’s 76 percent of them women. Over 20,000 people have been mobilized for livelihood activities, and 1,000 beneficiaries, mostly women, have received training in business and financial management. Another US$30,500 worth of equipment and machinery is expected to be distributed soon to enhance productivity among selected groups.
“The launch of these grants represents a historic step towards advancing women’s economic empowerment,” Minister Horace-Kollie said. “We are not just providing financial resources we are building resilience, strengthening households, and creating opportunities that will endure.”
Strengthening Institutions
At the national level, the Ministry has completed a capacity needs assessment and drafted a five-year strategic plan for social service delivery. Gender-based violence service mapping is ongoing across all 15 counties, while gender-responsive budgeting and policy dialogues are also advancing.
Looking Ahead
By 2027, the LWEP aims to benefit 36,000 women-led businesses with US$18 million in livelihood grants and reach 267,200 people across six counties.
Minister Horace-Kollie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and measurable results: “Every dollar invested must translate into impact for women, families, and communities. Our vision is to see empowered women leading enterprises, driving change, and inspiring the next generation.”
