The Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WEFL) was founded in 2018 with the primary mission of addressing the acute challenges faced by underprivileged women and girls in Liberia, particularly those in rural and peri-urban communities. These challenges include widespread socio-economic inequality, limited access to healthcare, educational disparities, and significant barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).
Liberia, a country still rebounding from the devastating effects of long-term civil conflicts and the Ebola outbreak, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in the realm of women’s empowerment. In this context, the WEFL founders, Mrs. Laura Bee Kiekpo, Mrs. Roseline Sherman, and Apostle Mrs. Rokiatu Warner, recognized the urgent need to empower women as critical agents of change. Their vision was to create an organization that not only addresses immediate needs through direct interventions but also fosters systemic change through advocacy and policy reform.
WEFL’s approach is multi-faceted, targeting various aspects of empowerment. By focusing on education, healthcare, economic independence, and legal rights, WEFL seeks to provide women and girls with the tools they need to improve their lives and influence their communities positively. Moreover, the organization extends its efforts to address emerging issues such as environmental sustainability and climate resilience, areas that disproportionately affect women and are integral to comprehensive development strategies.
Operating across several counties, including Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Montserrado, and Grand Gedeh, WEFL has not only implemented impactful programs but also cultivated partnerships with local and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach has significantly amplified the organization’s reach and effectiveness, making WEFL a notable player in Liberia’s development, especially in advancing the agenda for gender equality and sustainable development.
Through its ongoing efforts and strategic initiatives, WEFL continues to empower women and girls to become leaders and advocates for change, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous Liberia.
The Women Empowerment Forum Liberia (WEFL) employs a comprehensive and integrative approach to empower women and girls in underserved Liberian communities. By designing multifaceted programs that combine education, health awareness, economic independence, and legal rights education, WEFL ensures holistic support for women’s well-being and empowerment. Central to its strategy is community-based participation and advocacy, engaging local stakeholders at all stages, and pushing for gender-sensitive policies to foster a supportive environment. Economic initiatives are bolstered by microfinance and entrepreneurship training to promote financial autonomy. Additionally, WEFL places a strong emphasis on sustainability and capacity building, ensuring that initiatives are locally driven and continue to benefit communities long-term. Collaborative partnerships with various organizations enhance resource sharing and scalability, while robust monitoring and evaluation practices refine strategies and ensure impactful outcomes.
