Liberia: 1,313 Women-Led Businesses in River Cess, Grand Gedeh Begin Training to Qualify for Grants

What the report says

More than 1,300 women-led businesses in Liberia’s River Cess and Grand Gedeh counties are undergoing training this month as part of the World Bank-financed Liberia Women Empowerment Project, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from The Liberian Investigator. The sessions are designed to help grant applicants improve savings habits, keep business records and meet the conditions required before funding is released.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said the training began on Oct. 8 and is scheduled to run through Oct. 29. In total, the program covers 2,033 participants representing 1,313 enterprises, including individual businesses, village savings and loan associations, farm-based groups and livelihood groups. Training is taking place in both counties, with participants organized into clusters for practical instruction.

According to the report, the Foundation for Community Initiatives is leading the training with support from Plan International Liberia and Catholic Relief Services, while staff from the gender ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture are helping with monitoring. The curriculum includes financial literacy, business management, grant procedures, safeguards, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The ministry said follow-up mentoring will continue after the classroom sessions to help participants apply the lessons and strengthen their livelihoods.

The project operates in several Liberian counties and is intended to expand women’s economic opportunities, improve access to services and promote gender equality.