The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) has distributed US $137,000 in livelihood grants to 43 women-led businesses and groups across Gbarpolu and Rural Montserrado Counties.
Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie explained that this first phase of disbursement benefits 1,273 individuals 972 of whom are women (76.4%) and 301 men (23.6%). He named support spans Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), individual enterprises, and farmer-based organizations, targeting beneficiaries in districts such as Bopolu, Bokomu, Gbarma, Careysburg, Todee, and St. Paul River.
“In addition to the grants, the Ministry will distribute $30,500 worth of equipment to eight groups to enhance productivity and strengthen agricultural value chains.” She said..
According to the Minister the grants are part of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a five-year, US $44.6 million initiative running from 2022 to 2027. The grants represent 50% of approved funding for this round, with the remainder to be released following proper verification of fund utilization. Individual payments range between US $1,000 and US $8,000, aimed at boosting community savings, business expansion, and agricultural development. The overarching goals include increasing household incomes, improving food security, and building community resilience.
LWEP aims to reach 267,200 individuals in 498 communities across six counties, focusing on economic empowerment for women, social protection, and institutional reforms. The Ministry urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and sustainable development.
