By: Gabriel M. C. Parker
Tubmanburg, Bomi County – The Women and Children Initiative (WOCI), in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and with support from the United Nations Trust Fund (UNTF), has provided life skills training and empowerment materials to more than 100 women across five communities in Bomi County.
Over the weekend, WOCI held a multi-stakeholder engagement at its head office in Tubmanburg, where it officially handed over the training and empowerment materials.
The beneficiaries include women and girls, traditional leaders (Ma-Zoes and Da-Zoes), and minority groups currently enrolled in various livelihood programs such as soap production, tailoring, and other income-generating activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jenebah Veseele, Project Officer at WONGOSOL, emphasized the importance of the initiative as part of the ongoing “Liberia Fights FGM” project.
She explained that the donation supports outcomes two and three of the project, which aims to reach over 3,500 women and girls across 34 communities in 17 districts within six counties — Bomi, Bong, Cape Mount, Margibi, Gbarpolu, and Montserrado — by 2026.
Madam Jennet O. Paye, Executive Director of WOCI, lauded WONGOSOL and the UNTF for their continuous support, noting that the empowerment initiative provides sustainable alternatives for women and girls vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV).
“This support provides not just tools, but a pathway to independence and protection,” Madam Paye said. “When women are economically empowered, their vulnerability to abuse reduces significantly. They can support themselves, their children, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
Representing the beneficiaries, Madam Maima Quaye of Dedealah Community expressed gratitude for the training, noting that it is already making a difference in their homes and communities, especially in reducing gender-based and domestic violence.
“We are not just learning skills — we are building confidence and creating peaceful homes,” Madam Quaye remarked. “This program has empowered us to stand stronger, work together, and uplift each other as women.”
The ceremony was attended by local authorities, civil society representatives, traditional leaders, and youth groups, all of whom commended the initiative for advancing gender equality and reducing harmful traditional practices.
WOCI and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding similar empowerment programs to other communities and called on development partners to support the ongoing efforts.
