Planting Seeds of Hope and Resilience in Rural Liberia

Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE) whose work spans several communities in rural Liberia, continues to provide consistent and detailed updates on why small targeted funding can have such an outsized impact. Since its establishment in 2017, FOWACE has been a beacon of hope and support for vulnerable and marginalized women and children, taking on additional responsibilities in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, one particular area of focus has been in enhancing food security and economic stability through the agricultural programs funded by Rockflower. From site identification to land clearing, preparation, provision of improved cassava stems, maintenance, and harvesting, FOWACE has been there every step of the way, supporting these dedicated women.

They have established ten new groups of women dedicated to various agricultural activities. Each group has been equipped with tools, seeds, and resources necessary to cultivate their lands and sustain their families. For just $150 for each new group this initiative not only improves food security but also fosters community solidarity among the women.

This collaboration is more than just about growing crops, it is about planting the seeds of hope, dignity and resilience in the hearts of these women. By equipping them with the resources and knowledge they need, we are sharing their vision for a brighter future for themselves and their children.

Over the years Rockflower supporters have taken a keen interest in partners and projects aligned with their own interests. In July in the spirit of collaboration, Hannah Delany West, niece and goddaughter of Founder and CEO, Tine Ward, was able to mark the occasion of her birthday by supporting the ladies of FOWACE in their growing activities. Hannah, owner of One Wicker Farm, in Franklin, North Carolina, shared the deep commitment she has for community food programs.

“There is nothing more valuable to me than growing food for my family and community and teaching my children how to grow their own food. May we learn and grow together, geographically separated but together in our gardens.”

This generous gift to Rockflower will help further the agricultural initiatives of FOWACE, ensuring that more women can farm and feed their children in rural Liberia.In the words of Haja Tallawallay, Executive Director of FOWACE “ It is truly inspiring to witness the transformation taking place. The excitement on their faces as the ladies work together, united by a common goal to produce food for their families is a powerful testament to the impact of your support.”

Another significant area of focus for FOWACE’s work has been to improve access to safe drinking water. They have successfully repaired over 25 hand pumps, with news of their work spreading to other communities in need. The provision of safe drinking water is crucial for preventing diseases and supporting the overall health and well-being of the communities.

FOWACE’s holistic approach has continued to highlight the comprehensive nature of their support across various sectors. From cassava farming to the management of village savings groups, the organization is deeply involved in every step of the process.

The introduction of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) program has been particularly transformative. The tools and resources provided: a saving box with three locks, ledgers for record-keeping, ink pads, and passbooks, are more than just supplies, they are instruments of change. These women are not only learning to save and manage their finances, but they are also working together, supporting one another and building a stronger, more resilient community.

Rockflower looks forward to a continued partnership with FOWACE, supporting their mission to heal, grow, and thrive. The empowerment of these women and children in Liberia is a testament to the strength of community-based efforts and the profound impact of targeted support and solidarity. We invite our community to join us in supporting FOWACE's vital work, helping to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for the women and children of rural Liberia.

Together, we are making a concrete contribution to ensuring hope and possibility are always in abundant supply.

FOWACE Demonstrates the Importance of Funding Those Closest to the Problem

Rockflower was an early funder of Foundation for Women and Children in Libera (FOWACE) in 2017 as it sought to tackle food insecurity for those widowed by the Ebola epidemic. Over the last seven years, we have continued to support FOWACE as they dedicate time and resources to supporting some of the most vulnerable groups in rural Liberia, by providing a range of vital services from life skills and job training to self empowerment and legal aid.

Empowering Women Through Access to Justice

FOWACE's Access to Justice program continues to champion the rights of women in rural communities, where traditional practices often deny women access to inheritance and property. FOWACE operates in rural communities where 95% of the women are illiterate and the culture and traditions subject women to various forms of abuse. This program has not only opened the eyes of women to their rights but also educated men on the importance of gender equality in property ownership. Despite challenges such as providing transportation, accommodation, and medical assistance for women traveling to seek justice, FOWACE remains committed to supporting every woman's journey towards empowerment and legal recognition.

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) – A Beacon of Hope

The VSLA program, has proven to be a transformative force in the lives of disadvantaged women across Liberia. By facilitating access to financial services and fostering social cohesion, the VSLA program has empowered women economically, socially, and politically, contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development. With 20 active VSLA groups and growing demand, FOWACE is eager to expand this program to reach more communities, though resources remain a limiting factor.

Educational Outreach and Counseling Services

FOWACE's commitment to education and awareness is evident in their continuous outreach to schools and communities. Recent initiatives include educating high school students about their rights and access to justice, with a special focus on empowering girls. Additionally, FOWACE has established a Counseling Center offering both individual and group counseling sessions for women and girls facing domestic violence issues. These services are crucial in helping them cope with and overcome challenges, fostering a supportive community environment.

Community Engagement and Awareness

In recent weeks, FOWACE has conducted extensive awareness campaigns, reaching out to over 600 women, children, and men to educate them on the importance of justice for women and children. Their efforts also include providing essential support such as transportation and accommodation for women seeking justice for abuse cases.

Rockflower continues to provide resources in terms of funding and organizational support for FOWACE to ensure there is no loss of continuity in their invaluable work. The progress and positive changes seen through FOWACE's initiatives are not only encouraging in their depth of impact, but underscore the importance of funding those closest to the issues who are deeply embedded in the communities they serve. We are deeply grateful to our community of supporters whose generosity makes this work possible.

Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment

Liberia

Having been severely affected by the Ebola epidemic from 2014 to 2016, organizations in Liberia such as the Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE) understand the hardships that come with a virus like this more than most. Every day they work with those women and children who were most severely affected by the devastation of Ebola and are now anxious not to lose ground with the additional challenge of COVID-19.

Liberian President George Weah issued a 14-day stay-at-home order, prohibited travel, closed schools and has discouraged large gatherings.

The following are excerpts from correspondence with Haja Talawallay, Executive Director of FOWACE.

Concerns and Challenges

“People are so afraid and worried because of the differing news on the virus and our past experience with Ebola.

With the new measures of State of Emergency where people are restricted from leaving their homes, the disabled and disadvantaged women who struggle daily to feed their families are the worse affected people in the society. Liberia is one country that doesn't have social programs for these disadvantaged populations. If nothing is done to provide food and other preventive materials to these poor people, they might not even die from the virus but starvation.”

Adaptation Measures

“We have been reaching out to our beneficiaries with awareness of the virus and how to prevent the spread.”

Emergency Fund

“With the financial support from Rockflower, we purchased the soap produced by our project beneficiaries and rice which we are now distributing to the most vulnerable people in the communities so that they can have food and preventive materials for their families and stay home during these difficult times.”

Update from May 2020

“Schools and markets are still closed and large public gatherings are also still banned. These restrictions are necessary for the prevention of the virus but the effects on women and children are so high. Disabled people and disadvantaged women who depend on their daily incomes are on the streets begging. Informal businesses are highly affected by the crisis. The women have lost their sources of income. They are finding it difficult to feed their families. 

At FOWACE, we have been doing door to door awareness about the prevention of the virus along with food, soap, and reusable face masks distribution.”

Update from June 2020

“Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE) believes that the best way to protect vulnerable and disadvantaged women and children from the COVID-19 pandemic is to ensure that they have food and other preventive materials like soap and face mask. FOWACE continues to identify disadvantaged and vulnerable families and provide them with food, soap and face masks.”

Progress on Food Security for Ebola Widows in Liberia

Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE Inc.) has completed the first phase of their project to fund innovations for food security for widows affected by Ebola. From the first financial support they received from Rockflower, FOWACE Inc. were able to start a sustainable, environmentally-friendly food security and income generating project with 10 groups that benefited 362 people across seven towns.

With additional support from Rockflower, they will now begin phase two which will focus on expanding the gardens with additional crops to accommodate more groups, all of which are excited as they have already identified what they plan to plant.

Increasing Food Security for Widows Affected by Ebola

Rockflower is pleased to announce a new partnership with Foundation for Women and Children Empowerment (FOWACE), a women and children-centered organization established to provide lifesaving and empowering programs for marginalized and vulnerable women and children in rural Liberia.

In the aftermath of the Ebola crisis in 2015, many women have struggled to survive due to losing their husbands, who provided vital economic support to their families. Rockflower's partnership with the FOWACE will focus on training women in vegetable garden management, providing farming tools and teaching business and marketing marketing skills.

Find out more about the Food Security for Ebola Widows project.