In early March of this year, Women Care Initiative (WOCI) procured and supplied farming tools and seeds to three communities for lowland farming after conducting a thorough needs assessment.
The communities include Johnson Farm, Beh-Sao, and Damah, respectively.
After this intervention, the women’s farming groups are now actively involved in peanut and corn farming. Additionally, they generate income from soap making, which is crucial to support their Village Savings and Microloan program.
The total membership of women is around 60, with over 95% comprised of women and girls, while men are also members of the agricultural component of these groups. Currently, the women’s group based in Johnson Farm has cultivated over 3.5 acres of land with peanut and corn seedlings, which are now ready for harvest.
During a meeting at Johnson Farm, the Co-Chairperson of the women’s farming group, Madam Jumama C. Varmah, expressed the significance of showcasing the vegetables they produced and how the activities supported by WOCI and ForumCiv, such as soap making and VSLA, are positively impacting the lives of women and strengthening their group.
Madam Mary Mc-Karnley, the chairperson of the VSLA group, emphasized the importance of the social enterprise program funded by ForumCiv and implemented by WOCI. She mentioned how the proceeds from their soap and farming activities are now supporting their VSLA program and empowering single mothers to support their children’s education. The women highlighted that the income generated from these activities is used as rotating funds to support microloans and household development
They also expressed the need for expanding the project to have their own women’s center for discussions on women’s issues. Mr. Boakai Johnson, a senior Elder of the Johnson Farm community, acknowledged the positive impacts of the project in promoting social equality, peace, and social cohesion. He noted a reduction in gender-based violence cases since the project began and expressed the elders’ support for the women’s farming endeavors.
More Progress on farm
Mr. Asa Chon, the Country Manager of ForumCiv Liberia, commended the progress made by the women’s groups and encouraged them to utilize all opportunities for self-potential and economic independence. He also expressed gratitude to WOCI for their programmatic intervention and pledged to work with them to sustain the gains made in promoting gender equity and equality in Bomi County.
Madam Jennet O. Paye, the Executive Director of WOCI, extended gratitude to ForumCiv and promised to continue working in the best interest of women in Liberia. WOCI, a woman-led CSO based in Tubmanburg and funded by ForumCiv Liberia, aims to support and undertake interventions promoting women’s land rights and utilize skills to promote peace and social justice for women, youths, and persons with disabilities in customary communities in Bomi County.
As part of the thematic working group on women and youths, WOCI plays a pivotal role in coordinating land governance activities at the sub-national level and serves as a Regional Co-convener and Steering Committee member of the Multi-Actor Platform on Land Governance and Responsible Investment in Western Liberia.
The assessment continued with a site visit to the peanut farm, followed by a group photo with the women’s group and staff members of WOCI and ForumCiv
