By: Edmund C. Gbarwee/Nimba D-9 TV/Public Health Reporter/ ceo@onenimbahouse.com /nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com /+231778070604

Nimba County, Liberia, West Africa: – As Liberia endeavors to reclaim its full potential following the devastating civil war that claimed at least 250,000 lives and crippled its economy, subsequent crises like Ebola and COVID-19 have further exacerbated the plight, with women and children bearing the brunt of the hardships. Nimba County, one of the hardest-hit regions during the civil war and subsequent crises, has endured immense suffering, leaving countless mothers and children displaced and destitute.

Amidst these adversities, the United Nimba Citizens’ Council (UNICCO), a Diaspora-based organization established since 1979, has emerged as a beacon of hope. Their dedicated department, “UNICCO Women Empowerment,” with full support from UNICCO National has embarked on a transformative initiative to construct a $250,000 UNICCO Women Empowerment Center along the Ganta to Gbarnga highway in Liberia.

Madame Mary Gweh, one of the founding members of UNICCO Women Empowerment and  National Chairlady of UNICCO National, has been unwavering in her support, both financially and through contributions in kind, to ensure that women and girls in the host community and beyond benefit from this multipurpose facility. Her family’s commitment to donating to the workforce and supporting UNICCO Liberia underscores their dedication to these impactful programs.

Once completed, the Women Empowerment Center will not only generate economic opportunities but also provide crucial capacity-building initiatives for vulnerable women and girls in Nimba County and neighboring regions, including Ivory Coast and Guinea.

Prominent figures such as former Nimba County Superintendent Christina Dagadu and Madame Nancy Yini, alongside current Women Empowerment Chairlady Madame Rebecca Kaikpo, express excitement as their aspirations for the women of Nimba materialize through UNICCO National’s leadership.

Chairlady Mary Gweh extends a heartfelt call to all well-meaning sons and daughters of Nimba, as well as companies and NGOs operating in the region, to unite with UNICCO in realizing this purposeful and impactful project. By doing so, they can collectively address the myriad challenges faced by women and girls, ranging from abuse to rape and prostitution, fostering a brighter future for all.