What is this fund? 

The Liberian Women Building Power Fund is a temporary mutual aid effort to raise $15k in support of the women of District #1, Grand Bassa County, Liberia. The fund will:

• Support the development of women leadership councils in multiple areas. Each council will receive $500 to distribute to 10-20 women in their village to participate in the markets. The women will pay back the loan to the council with no-interest. The $500 will then be used to distribute to the same group of women to strengthen their markets and the cycle will continue.

• Create the installation of solar lights throughout the region where many of the heavily trafficked markets are located.

This fund is created and managed by Bilphena Yahwon and Dustin Gibson.

Why is this important?

The women of Liberia are the backbone of the country. In most families, they are the primary caretakers, but have little to no access to employment. The only available option for many women, especially in the rural areas, is to sell items in the markets (peppers, rice, lappas, slippers, vegetables, fruits, etc.). The money they earn through the markets together can provide collective stability for their village. 

When will the women receive the money?

The councils are currently being formed and ready to receive the money. Once the fund raises the first $500 it will immediately go out to the first council selected. Money will be distributed to councils on an ongoing basis throughout August and September 2023. 

When will the solar lights be installed?

The installation of the solar lights will happen in September 2023. Each day trip into Monrovia to purchase the lights costs around $20. The purchase and transportation of the lights will begin as soon as the fund raises enough money. The goal is to install at least 100 solar lights across heavily populated regions in the district. 

What if the fund raises more than $15k? 

With $15k, we are able to purchase and install 100 solar lights and create loan programs for 15 groups of 10-20 women. There are more than 40k people in the district. With any additional funds raised, we can support more groups.

Donate

bit.ly/LiberianWomenBuild

If you have questions or are looking for other ways to support, please email archiveliberia@gmail.com