The LWEP, financed at US$44.6 million, is designed to foster positive social norms, enhance basic health and education services, promote resilient livelihoods for women and girls, and strengthen public institutions to advance gender equality.
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabrahamlogic@gmail.com
ZANNAH TOWN, Rural Montserrado County, Liberia– World Bank Global Director on Social Sustainability and Inclusion, Robin Mearns and West Africa Practice Manager, Nicolas Perrin, recently concluded a two-day mission to Liberia to assess the progress of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP).
Their visit marks an intensive step in evaluating project’s implementation and planning future actions.
The mission began with a joint meeting involving representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), the Project Management Unit, and service providers associated with LWEP. During the meeting, an impressive update was presented, highlighting significant advancements in project implementation.
Key achievements noted include the initiation of activities by service providers in Gbarpolu and Rural Montserrado counties, ongoing Baseline Surveys to monitor project outcomes, and the crafting of a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Ministry of Gender aimed at addressing equality issues in Liberia. Additionally, efforts to strengthen the capacity of line ministries and agencies on gender-responsive budgeting were underscored.
Global Director Robin Mearns expressed admiration for the progress made by the Liberian government through LWEP, emphasizing the World Bank’s commitment to the project and its results. “We take keen interest in the full implementation of the LWEP and are keen to understand its impact,” said Mearns.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Perrin reminded attendees that the World Bank’s Mid-Term Review (MTR) for the project is set to begin in September 2025, stressing the importance of maximizing the grant’s potential for significant impact.
He urged all stakeholders to remain focused on full implementation, increased disbursement levels, and achieving substantial results ahead of the upcoming review.
Deputy Gender Minister, Atty. Laura Golakeh acknowledged the World Bank’s crucial funding and support to the LWEP, which has led to enhanced capacity development and logistical backing for the Ministry.
She also expressed gratitude for the establishment of the National Call Center, which has played a pivotal role in addressing gender-based violence in Liberia. “We are committed to ensuring the desired results for the Project Development Objectives and outcomes,” she stated.
On May 13, 2025, the World Bank officials visited a project community in Rural Montserrado County, engaging with potential beneficiaries of the grant component and a functional grievance redress committee. Abdilai Sherif, Program Manager of the LWEP, noted that this visit aims to gather first-hand information and engage with community stakeholders.
The LWEP, financed at US$44.6 million, is designed to foster positive social norms, enhance basic health and education services, promote resilient livelihoods for women and girls, and strengthen public institutions to advance gender equality.
The project is expected to benefit approximately 267,200 individuals across six counties in Liberia, including Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Rivercess, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and Rural Montserrado, with at least 36,000 people receiving cash grants under the livelihood component.
For its implementation, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has enlisted Plan International Liberia, marking a collaborative effort toward empowering Liberian women and fostering gender equality.