Says Women’s Participation Is Critical To Liberia’s Economic Development
PHOTO: Minister Gbeme Horace Kollie and other guests during a high-level visit to a women’s project
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
TODEE DISTRICT, Montserrado, Liberia–The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Gbeme Horrace Kollie has urged Liberian women to become more productive and innovative as a means to speed up the country’s growth and development.
Minister Kollie was speaking on Thursday, November 27, 2025 during a high-profile visit to Nyehn Town in Todee District, Rural Montserrado County, emphasizing the critical role of women’s participation in Liberia’s economic development.
“If we are to move from zero to hero, then we must focus on everything we do, especially with the current empowerment program the government has brought to your doorstep. Let’s hold on to the little we have and focus on doing more for an improved economy system,” she stated.
The visit was part of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), funded by the World Bank, and aimed to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, promote positive social norms, improve gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, and enhance community-level accountability across Montserrado County.
Minister Kollie led the delegation alongside Georgia Wallen, World Bank Manager in Liberia, and representatives from all LWEP service providers, with Plan International serving as the lead service provider.
Throughout the day-long mission, the team engaged directly with rural beneficiaries, women-led enterprises, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), SASA! activists, local leaders, and service providers involved in LWEP activities.
The lead service provider representative, Abdulai sheriff explained that the visit aimed to increase visibility, oversight, and support for LWEP interventions. The delegation received updates from women-led groups and VSLAs, heard testimonies on the impact of LWEP grants and capacity-building trainings, and observed demonstrations on the community-based Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and GBV referral pathways.
Additionally, structured discussions led by SASA! activists on gender norms and power dynamics took place, alongside engagements with health workers and police officers who contribute to local GBV prevention and response initiatives.
Mr. Abdulai sheriff further explained that the mission also included site visits to selected VSLA business locations, allowing the delegation to witness firsthand how rural women are expanding livelihoods and strengthening community resilience through LWEP support.
He added that a key forcus of the visit was the recognition of eight women-led VSLAs in Rural Montserrado that recently received first-tranche grant payments totaling USD 32,000. Stressing that these funds support Two Hundred Thirty (230) members, including 199) women and 31 men.
The groups—Laila Village Savings, Willekemah, Fairness VSLA, Kukatune, Quapaigeh VSLA, Try and See Savings, Leesaye Savings, and Peace Mother Club—are leveraging these grants to scale income-generating activities, reinforce a savings culture, and boost economic independence among women in rural communities.
Speaking further, Mr. Sheriff added that the field mission underscores the Government of Liberia’s ongoing commitment, in partnership with the World Bank and implementing partners, to advancing women’s empowerment and fostering safer, more inclusive communities. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) encourages residents of Todee District to welcome the delegation and acknowledge the progress achieved through LWEP.
Beneficiaries explain success stories
Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the support received. One representative from the Willekemah group stated, “I want to thank the World Bank for the support and empowerment. Our group can now make different products in large quantities. We are also growing and including more members through credit and loans.”
Another beneficiary, Sarah Dee, shared her experience: “Since I received this money, I have been able to pay my children’s school fees and buy all their school supplies. I used to sell pepper by the cup, but now I sell by the bucket. I want to thank the World Bank and the President for this opportunity.”
Madam Josephine Kollie appealed for broader inclusion, urging the government to expand the program’s reach. “I want to recommend to the government of Liberia to please include others who are currently not benefiting from this program. There are many people who want to be part of it, so I kindly ask that more individuals be included,” she said.
As the Liberia Women Empowerment Project continues to make strides, this visit spotlights the collective efforts to empower women economically while addressing social challenges to build a stronger Liberia.