| OVERVIEW: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT |
| “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. No other policy is as likely to raise economic productivity, or to reduce infant and maternal mortality. No other policy is as sure to improve nutrition and promote health — including the prevention of HIV/AIDS. No other policy is as powerful in increasing the chances of education for the next generation. And I would also venture that no policy is more important in preventing conflict, or in achieving reconciliation after a conflict has ended.” Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan |
| LIBERIA |
| Women have played a major role throughout the history of Liberia. They comprise 54 percent of the labor force in both the formal and informal sectors and constitute the majority of smallholder producers. It is estimated that they produce approximately 60% of agricultural products, carry out more than 80% of trading activities in the rural areas and are heavily engaged in the artisanal fishing industry, in addition to fulfilling daily household chores. Yet women remain among the most disadvantaged. They are disproportionately clustered in the least productive sectors, with 90% employed in the informal sector or agriculture. Their predominance in the informal economy translates into low productivity, meagre earnings and exposure to exploitation.
Illiteracy rates among women aged 15-49 are particularly high (60%) compared to men (30%). 42% of Liberian women and 18% of men have never attended school. Maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world, and is estimated at 994/100,000 births (DHS 2007). According to the 2007 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey, 48% of Liberian women become pregnant by the age of 18, and the unmet need for family planning is over 60%.
In addition to food insecurity, women are also exposed to gender based violence, sexual exploitation and HIV/AIDS, especially among young girls. Vicious and systematic acts of sexual violence were perpetrated against a significant number of Liberian women throughout the years of conflict. Following the end of the conflict, rape and sexual violence remain an ongoing problem. |
| PROJECTS IN LIBERIA |
| At FACE Africa, we believe passionately that economic opportunities for women holds the promise for real change in Liberia; because when women have an income, they reinvest in themselves and in their children’s education, health and nutrition, building stronger families and communities over time. FACE Africa is committed to empowering women and girls as a means to maintaining peace and stability, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development in Liberia.
Through partnerships with other women’s groups and fair-trade initiatives, we empower disadvantaged women through education, skills training, economic opportunities and financial literacy, while creating GOOD, fashionable products. Every product purchased helps in two ways: 1) Creates employment and provides sustainable income for women 2) Funds clean water and sanitation projects |
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