By Tokpa Tarnue, arnue82@gmail.com
VOINJAMA, Liberia- Women’s Peace Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) in partnership with UN-women Liberia through Women for Positive Actions has provided L$1,344,000 (one million, three hundred, forty-four thousand Liberian dollars loan to Forty 40 local farmers and business women in Lofa County.
The Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund is a NGO that provides flexible and fast financing for integrated interventions that increase women’s participation in response to crises and emergencies, as well as preventing conflict, encouraging national ownership of development investments, and upholding peacebuilding commitments.
Women for Positive Actions (WOPA) founded in 2016 is a NGO/CSO that advocates for women, girls and children’ rights.
The loan was disbursed to the beneficiaries on Saturday April 8, 2023 at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Voinjama City, Lofa County office with representatives from Civil society organisations, County administration, officials of WOPA, media among several others.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Catherine Kollie, the Executive direction of WOPA said the loan disbursement is phase two of the Project title: Women Participation, Access to Finance and Literacy and Numericy Village Serving.
According to her, the process started last year and now this is the second face of the training where each of them receives the amount of US$210.00 (two hundred and ten United States dollars) with the deduction of 5% and will refund US$200.00 in three months period.
Payment as follow: First payment May 1, 2023; Second payment May 22, 2023, and Third payment June 12, 2023.
Ms. Catherine Kollie further said that the project is ongoing in 4 counties including Lofa, Bong, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount with a target of 200 in each of the County women but 40 at a time. She noted that after the three months another 40 women stand to benefit same.
County Superintendent Advises beneficiaries
Speaking on behalf of Lofa County superintendent at the event, Mr. Joseph Kuloe urged the beneficiaries to live up to the agreement in ensuring that the money received as loan is refunded. He ensured WOPA the County administration willingness to ensure the enforcement of the payment.
The beneficiaries also appreciated Women For Positive Actions (WOP) and partners for the loan provided.
They however call on WOPA to help them extend the time of the payment from the three months to six months.
“Well the benefit that I received from WOPA, I just want to tell the thank you, the money that we received we are happy of it. But one thing now we are complaining on is the time given to us to refund this money is short and we really want WOPA to help us extend the time to six months,” Esther Kpaku, a beneficiary said.
According to them if they are given a six-month period to payback it would be easy.
Another beneficiary Satta Kromah said: “I’m happy for this loan I received but small comment on it, because the time they show us is short. Some of us are involved in to agriculture and it takes us time to harvest our crops; so they should help to extend the time of the payment to six months.”