Empowering Women

Liberia, the oldest republic in Africa, is a country rich in cultural traditions and blessed with abundant natural resources. Unfortunately, much of the country’s infrastructure was destroyed during civil wars which lasted 14 years. 

Although the last war ended in 2003, the impact of the conflict can still be seen.  The country’s economic system remains fragile and there is a  lack of access to finance and other resources. 

The 2014- 205 Ebola epidemic added to the country’s challenges, and rural communities have been disproportionately impacted. Liberia has been categorized as a Least Developed Country and a Low-Income Food-Deficit Country, that also relies heavily on foreign assistance. 

Poverty is widespread. An estimated 51 percent of the population lives in rural areas where poverty is heavily focused. These rural areas lack access to basic infrastructure and social services, and poor roads leave many areas inaccessible.

Approximately 55 percent of rural Liberian households are food insecure. The country’s low agricultural production and poor household income has contributed to chronic insecurity since the civil war.  

In rural communities, women’s participation in the economy is often informal which puts them at greater risk for  financial insecurity compared to their male counterparts. This financial gap creates  income inequality and leaves women and their families vulnerable to poverty and poor living conditions.   

Kpo’ma Women was created to increase access to resources, investment opportunity, technology and sustainable business development initiatives for women in rural Bong County. We work at the grassroot level to build capacity and to encourage long-term growth opportunities. 

Our current project focuses on supporting  a women’s farmer cooperative by improving  both the supply chain and manufacturing processes of the palm oil and rice harvest.

At Kpo’ma Women, we believe in fostering equitable growth and ensuring that all women have access to the tools they need to improve income prospects  for their families and communities.