Women Care Initiative Empowers Female Farmers in Bomi County with Tools and Training

In early March, the Women Care Initiative (WOCI) launched a transformative program in Bomi County, providing essential farming tools and seedlings to three communities—Johnson Farm, Beh-Sao, and Damah—following a detailed needs assessment. This initiative has enabled local women's farming groups to engage in peanut and corn cultivation, while also generating income through soap making to support their Village Savings and microloan programs.

With around 60 members, over 95% of whom are women and girls, the farming groups are making significant progress. The Johnson Farm women’s group has already cultivated more than 3.5 acres, with crops now ready for harvest.

During a recent visit by WOCI and ForumCiv management, Co-chairperson Madam Jumama C. Varmah expressed pride in their success: "Today marks a great moment for us to showcase the vegetables we produced and the positive changes in our lives, thanks to the support from WOCI and ForumCiv."

Madam Mary Mc-Karnley, Chairperson of the Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA), emphasized the impact of their efforts: "The proceeds from our soap sales and farming are helping to sustain our VSLA program." The income is reinvested to support microloans and household development, empowering single mothers to provide for their children's education.

The women are eager for the project’s expansion and have appealed to ForumCiv and WOCI for increased support to establish a dedicated women’s center for discussions on important issues. Senior community elder Mr. Boakai Johnson acknowledged the project’s positive social effects, noting a decrease in gender-based violence since its launch. "We, as elders, are committed to supporting these women in their farming endeavors," he added.

ForumCiv Liberia’s Country Manager, Mr. Asa Chon, praised the women’s groups for their progress and encouraged them to seize opportunities for economic independence. He also extended gratitude to WOCI’s Executive Director, Madam Jennet O. Paye, for her leadership in advancing gender equity in Bomi County.

WOCI, a woman-led civil society organization based in Tubmanburg, operates under the Sustainable Ownership Program funded by ForumCiv. This initiative aims to enhance women’s land rights and promote social justice in Bomi County over a 40-month period. WOCI also coordinates land governance activities and is a key member of the Multi-Actor Platform on Land Governance and Responsible Investment in Western Liberia.

The visit concluded with a tour of the peanut farm and a group photo with the women and staff from WOCI and ForumCiv, marking a significant milestone in community empowerment efforts.