Plan International Urges Nyleh Town Women to Invest More in Girl’s Education

 By Lazota Bility

January 23, 2026

The Country Director of PLAN International, Madam Miriam Murray, has called on women of Nyleh Town to prioritize investment in the education of their girl children as a sustainable way of breaking the cycle of poverty and preventing future embarrassment.

According to Madam Murray, women who educate girls always give back success to the communities or countries in which they were raised. “Today, I want to encourage every one of you to please focus on sending your children to school. I love how Liberians ask relatives to send their children to school.

That means when a child becomes educated, they return to make an impact because everyone within the family or community contributed to the education they achieved,” she said.

Madam Murray made the statement on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during a one-day field visit by PLAN UK to women of Todee District, Rural Montserrado County, under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project.

The project is a World Bank–funded initiative aimed at improving the lives of women by addressing harmful social norms, increasing access to essential services such as health, education, and finance, and expanding economic opportunities through skills training and grants to promote gender equality and resilience.

 Speaking during the program, the Montserrado County Gender Coordinator, Mr. Benedict D. Nyae, highlighted that the initiative is a Government of Liberia–owned project designed to empower women and strengthen community livelihoods. “

This project is Liberia’s own project, implemented in collaboration with partners to deliver several trainings for women groupings while providing both knowledge and financial support,” he noted. Speaking on behalf of the Lead Service Provider in Liberia, Mr. Emmanuel F. Karneh reaffirmed PLAN International and other supporting organizations’ commitment to the successful nationwide implementation of the project.

According to Mr. Karneh, the project focuses 70 percent on women and 30 percent on men to ensure inclusion while encouraging men to support gender equality. “Participants were also trained on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

 At the conclusion of the trainings, grants were provided to strengthen women’s empowerment initiatives,” he added. Beneficiaries expressed appreciation through dancing and singing songs of praise in their local dialect, thanking the Government of Liberia, international partners, and local organizations for coming to their aid. Fatu Sunday, Chairlady of the Karpa Gear Village Savings Women Group, described the transformation in their business.

 “We started with contract work, but we decided it was wise to bring women together. We began with 100 members. One day, PLAN Liberia came and provided trainings. Before this empowerment, I used to buy flowers by the bucket; now I buy by the bag. My business has improved greatly.” Miatina Miaway, Secretary of the Try and See Village Savings Group, narrated their earlier struggles:

“We started with nothing as an organization, only 100 Liberian Dollars. Our hands used to be painful from the hard work. Through PLAN International, we received a garri processing machine. Now we process 10 to 15 bags per week and share the income equally. Before, our men did not respect us, but now they do. Our children were out of school, but they are now receiving quality education.”

 Kou, Chairlady of the Peace Mothers Village Savings Organization, explained that the group was established under the Platform for Dialogue and Peace: “We had no knowledge when we first heard that the World Bank and partners were coming to empower us. We were trained on climate change and improved farming methods. We submitted our documents and received grants. People doubted when we said we would receive USD 4,000, but we had faith. Today, we thank the Ministry of Gender for continuing to empower women in our district.”

In remarks, Mr. Solomon Tesfamariam, Regional Director for Programming and Influencing in West and Central Africa (WACAH) at PLAN International, expressed excitement over the program’s impact. “I am very excited to be here today. Everything here is unique, and it is encouraging to see how this program is improving your lives and those of your families.

You are best placed to tell your colleagues how this program has enhanced your lives and families,” he said. Also speaking, PLAN International Director of International Programs, Mrs. Tsungai Mahumucha, emphasized that women’s empowerment is one of the key drivers of meaningful development.

“I am very excited about this program and impressed by the energy and commitment demonstrated here. This is exactly how we designed this project,” she added. In closing remarks, Country Director of PLAN International Madam Miriam Murray thanked the Government of Liberia and all implementing partners for their commitment to the project. She called on men to support women as agents of change.

 “To the men, we expect you to be gender champions and lead the change,” she urged. Encouraging women to take the empowerment initiative seriously, Madam Murray noted with a smile: “I am already seeing positive changes in this community.”