By: Abraham K. Kollie
World Bank Global
Director for Social Sustainability and Inclusion, Robin Mearns, along with West
Africa Practice Manager Nicolas Perrin, recently concluded a two-day mission to
Liberia to assess the implementation progress of the Liberia Women Empowerment
Project (LWEP).
The visit marked a crucial step in evaluating project
performance 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 LWEP service providers. An impressive
progress update was shared, showcasing notable strides in implementation.
Among the key achievements highlighted were the launch of
project activities in Gbarpolu and Rural Montserrado counties, the ongoing
Baseline Surveys to measure project outcomes, and the development of a
Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Ministry of Gender aimed at addressing gender
equality in Liberia. Efforts to build the capacity of line ministries and
agencies in gender-responsive budgeting were also emphasized.
Global Director Robin Mearns praised the Liberian government
for the progress made through the LWEP and reiterated the World Bank’s
commitment to the project. “We take keen interest in the full implementation of
the LWEP and are eager to understand its impact,” said Mearns.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Perrin reminded stakeholders that the
World Bank’s Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the project is scheduled for September
2025. He urged all parties to focus on achieving full implementation, improving
disbursement rates, and ensuring meaningful results ahead of the review.
Deputy Gender Minister Atty. Laura Golakeh expressed
gratitude for the World Bank’s critical support, which has strengthened the
Ministry’s capacity and provided logistical assistance. She also highlighted
the establishment of the National Call Center as a key milestone in addressing
gender-based violence.
“We are committed to achieving the desired results in line
with the Project Development Objectives and outcomes,” she affirmed.
On May 13, 2025, the World Bank delegation visited a project
site in Rural Montserrado County, where they interacted with prospective grant
beneficiaries and a functioning grievance redress committee.
Abdilai Sherif, Program Manager of the LWEP, said the visit
provided an opportunity for direct engagement with community stakeholders and
first-hand information gathering.
The LWEP, funded with US$44.6 million, aims to promote
positive social norms, improve access to basic health and education services,
enhance women’s livelihoods, and strengthen public institutions to advance
gender equality. The project targets approximately 267,200 beneficiaries across
six counties—Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Rivercess, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and
Rural Montserrado—including at least 36,000 women and girls receiving cash
grants under its livelihood component.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is
implementing the project in collaboration with Plan International Liberia,
reflecting a strong partnership for empowering women and advancing gender
equality in the country.
