5 Mins Read
ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: Deep down the forest of Rural Montserrado, stands the quiet town of Toddee district, separated by streams and rivers. One of the communities is Zannah Town, which is now the stage for a powerful transformation; one that speaks to the resilience of women, the strength of community, and the promise of change. Once burdened by limited opportunities and inequality, Zannah Town is now prospering under the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP), a bold initiative that is rewriting the future for thousands across Liberia.
Recently, a high-level delegation from the World Bank stepped into Zannah, not just to observe progress, but to witness the tangible stories of transformation. What they encountered was more than just data; it was hope in action. Community members, especially women, shared moving testimonies about the new sense of purpose that the project has instilled in their lives.
Implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the lead service provider; Plan International Liberia, together with ActionAid Liberia, Catholic Relief Services, and the association members; KEEP Liberia, Medica Liberia, Foundation of Community Initiatives (FCI), Defence Children International, VIAMO and Rising Voices, LWEP is proving to be a catalyst for self-reliance and peace. With a total of 498 communities in six project counties, and with a funding of US$44.6 million from the World Bank, the project is making development personal by placing women and girls at the center.
In Zannah Town alone, 1,151 beneficiaries, including 587 women, are already engaged. Through Component Three, which focuses on grants and livelihoods, the women are accessing non-refundable loans, participating in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), gaining life and business skills, and building climate-resilient agricultural practices.
“This World Bank visit gives us hope, we are proud to be showing our donors what we can do. With the money we have, it makes us very proud. With the money that the Gender people are going to give us, I am sure we will do plenty good this for our families and the communities,” said Rebbecca Wolleh, proud chairperson VSLA group.
“Besides the VSLA, we have plenty of things that we do individual, many of us have bigger farms, and our harvests are better. Thank you plenty to CRS, Plan and Action for Hunger (ActionAid) for teaching us, we now understand the power we have to shape our own futures. We say to the Bank thank you plenty for giving the gender people. The money, we are yet to sign a contract and receive our own money.” Said Rebecca Wolleh, Chairperson for the VSLA group in Zannah town.
During her speech, Rebbecca also noted that most of them in the community never believed that such a project exists, just giving money without payment. Most of them are used to other projects that will loan them money, and later demand for payment. To her, this was a unique project, yet they have embraced it with both hands.
For the women of Zannah, empowerment is not just a word; it’s income from a thriving farm, it’s the confidence to manage finances, it’s the joy of sending girls to school, and it’s the dignity of standing tall as leaders in their own communities.
The visit was described as “historic” and “life-changing” by residents. It marked a significant milestone as it brought together the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the World Bank, and key service providers and partners to engage directly with community members, most of whom have long been underserved.
Robin Mearns, the World Bank’s Global Director, was moved by what he saw. Taking from the women’s slogan, which has been extended to include “side by side with a serious man,” Robin, in his speech, noted that his team of men were serious about supporting the women. This statement sank into the Zannah community members and rekindled their efforts to do even greater than what they had already exhibited.
“We are the serious men, and we are deeply inspired by your courage and commitment. This project belongs to you. It is your journey, and we are excited to walk it with you.” He noted.
LWEP is more than an economic intervention, it is a social movement. It challenges the deeply rooted barriers to gender equality by fostering positive social norms, increasing access to health and education, and creating safe, supportive environments for women and girls.
The story of Zannah is just beginning. But its early chapters are filled with the voices of empowered women, the smiles of girls happily attending school, with the men supporting every movement implemented in the town, and the silent but strong conviction that real change is possible when communities are trusted and supported to lead their solutions.
As the delegation departed, what they left behind was more than praise, it was belief. A belief that with solidarity, commitment, and community-led actions, rural towns like Zannah can become powerful inspirations of change.
Through the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, the seeds of equality are being sown, and Zannah Town is already prospering.
The LWEP aims to foster positive social norms, promote resilient livelihoods, and strengthen public institutions to advance gender equality. Operating in 498 communities across six project counties; Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Gbarpolu, Montserrado, and Rivercess in Liberia, the project will benefit 36,000 individuals through livelihood grants and is expected to directly impact 267,200 people by September 2027.
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