By contributing Reporter,  Christiana Mabanda 

In Liberia, a grim reality unfolds as many underprivileged women, men, and even children as young as ten, find themselves trapped in the hazardous profession of rock crushing, solely to make ends meet.

Operators assert that crushed stone stands as a vital building commodity, albeit with slim profit margins. Consequently, rock-crushing sites proliferate across Liberia, serving as lifelines for its impoverished citizens.

“It’s not easy; we get hurt many days. But we have to do it because we have no one else to rely on for our survival and that of our children,” shares Korto Fayiah, a rock crusher who joined the trade after losing her husband in a 2019 motor accident.

According to the World Bank’s latest study on poverty in Liberia, 2.5 million people live in absolute poverty, with one million experiencing extreme poverty. Women and girls play indispensable roles in Liberia’s economy, contributing significantly to food crop output, the workforce, trading operations, childcare, and smallholder produce cultivation. However, they face wage disparities and underrepresentation, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and public works.

“Most times we have to scour people’s gardens to make ends meet because business isn’t booming like before,” laments Korto.

Martha Harris, another widow, found herself in the rock-crushing trade after her husband’s demise in 2016, striving to support her eight children’s education and daily needs. She’s among many single mothers grappling to provide for their families in post-war Liberia.

Martha Harris At Her Roch-Crushering Site In Cotton Tree

“I’m not content with what I do, but I have no choice. I rely on pain relief; every day, I must take painkillers just to sleep,” shares Martha.

Despite their vital economic contributions, women like Korto and Martha face persistent challenges. Critics decry the disparity, noting that while Liberia’s leaders prosper, those who helped forge peace remain impoverished.

Seeking relief, many women look to the government, humanitarian organizations, and compassionate individuals for support in transitioning to safer, more sustainable livelihoods.

“Given the opportunity, I’d pursue a different business. But with limited options, this is where some of us find ourselves,” reflects Korto.