Global Director Robin Mearns and West Africa Practice Manager Nicolas Perrin began the two (2) day visiting mission with a joint meeting to review progress and status of implementation for the LWEP, setting the basis for next steps.
During the joint meeting with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), the Project Management Unit, and the Service Providers of the LWEP, a progress update was presented, indicating a moving pace of the project’s implementation.
Major achievements so far were bordered on the Service Providers kickstarting activities in the phase approach counties (Gbarpolu & Rural Montserrado); key capacity development indicators were flagged regarding the ongoing conduct of the Baseline Survey to measure the project’s outcomes; the development of a Five Year Strategic Plan for the Ministry of Gender to address equality issues in Liberia; as well strengthening line ministries and agencies capacities in gender responsive budgeting among others.
In response, World Bank Global Director Robin Mearns lauded ongoing progress being made by the government of Liberia through the implementation of the project. He noted that the World Bank takes a keen interest in the full implementation of the LWEP; and as such, he is interested in the project’s impact results.
Also speaking, the World Bank West Africa Practice Manager reminded the Government of Liberia and the service providers that the Bank’s Mid-Term Review (MTR) for the Project is expected to begin in September 2025, adding that the maximization of the Grant from the Bank would be measured for impact.
He encouraged everyone to remain focus on ensuring the full implementation; scaling up of disbursement level and accomplishing huge results before and or beyond the mid term review.
In conclusion, Deputy Gender Minister Atty. Laura Golakeh lauded the World Bank’s commitment through funding for the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, which has seen robust capacity development l; tools development, and logistical support for the central and county offices of the Ministry over the period. Atty. Golakeh also thanked the Bank’s support for the establishment of the National Call Center, which provides information and strengthens the referral pathway for addressing Gender Based Violence in Liberia.
She assured the government’s commitment to ensuring the desired results for the Project Development Objectives and outcomes.
Meanwhile, the two high-ranking World Bank Officials on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, visited a project community in Rural Montserrado County with proposed beneficiaries of the grant component, as well as held conversations with a functional grievance redress committee.
The visit, according to Abdilai Sheriff, Program Manager of the Liberia Women Empowerment Project, is intended to have first-hand information of the project communities and hold discussions with the community and stakeholders.
He added that the Liberia Women Empowerment Project is a US$ 44.6 million project intended to foster positive social norms; enhance basic services in health and education; promote resilient livelihood services for women and girls, and strengthen public institutions to advance gender equality.
Mr. Shariff furthered that the project is expected to impact 267,200 beneficiaries across six counties in Liberia, including Grand Gedeh, Bomi, Rivercess, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, and Rural Montserrado.
A total of 36,000 persons from the 498 communities will benefit from the Cash Grant under the livelihood component.
Plan International Liberia has been hired by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social to lead the project implementation.
