By: Henry B. Gboluma, Jr Gbarpolu Correspondent
Sappimah Town, Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County |June 2, 2026|Women beneficiaries of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) in Sappimah Town, Bopolu District, Gbarpolu County, have been encouraged to use project funds responsibly to strengthen their businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods.
Speaking during a community engagement on June 1, 2026 Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie reminded beneficiaries that the funds are intended to support economic empowerment and should be managed carefully.
“Take care of the money. This is not free money. The government borrowed it and the government will pay it back. When you use it well, and show results, the government will go look for more money for you,” Minister Kollie told the women.
The Minister emphasized that the success of the program depends on accountability, discipline, and proper management of resources.
She also noted that community development is stronger when both women and men work together to improve their households and communities.
Minister Kollie and her delegation visited Sappimah, Totoquelleh, and Medina towns to monitor the implementation of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, interact with Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups, and hear concerns from beneficiaries.
Several women shared testimonies about how the project has positively affected their lives.
Sannah Dardue, an individual enterprise beneficiary, said support from the project enabled her to establish a soap-making business.
“I’m so grateful to God and to the government. Before, we were just struggling. Now with this soap business, I can take care of my children and even help other women in the town,” she said.
Other beneficiaries explained that participation in VSLA groups has helped them develop saving habits, learn business management skills, and invest in activities such as farming, petty trade, and food processing.
Some women also appealed for the project to be expanded to include more beneficiaries.
Esther B. Mawolo said many women in the district are eager to participate but were not selected during the first phase of the program.
Sappimah Town Chief Melvin Kollie praised the Government of Liberia and its partners for bringing the project to the community.
“Since the women started their businesses, you can see the difference in the town. People are building, children are going to school, and there is more peace because women now have something doing,” he said.
The Liberia Women Empowerment Project is a five-year initiative running from 2022 to 2027.
The program aims to improve economic opportunities for women through savings groups, skills training, agricultural support, and small business development, helping communities build stronger and more sustainable local economies.
