“Before, I felt small, like my voice didn’t matter. But with WOPA, I learned I’m strong, like the big trees in our village. Now, I stand tall and speak my mind.”
The Challenge
In the seclusion of rural Liberia, Mariama’s life was a mirror to many silent stories of gender-based violence (GBV). As a woman in her late twenties, she navigated a life overshadowed by the harrowing realities of GBV, her voice suppressed by deep-rooted societal norms. This was a typical yet unspoken plight in her village, where countless women suffered in the shadows, their struggles a quiet echo amidst the daily rhythms of rural life.
Mariama’s days were marked by a quiet endurance, a testament to her strength amidst the unyielding grip of violence and discrimination. This was a world where dreams were often dimmed, and aspirations were tethered by the limitations placed on women. Her experiences were not unique in her community but rather a reflection of a broader systemic issue that has long plagued rural communities in Liberia.
The Solution
Into this landscape of silent struggles, Women for Positive Actions (WOPA) emerged as a beacon of hope. When WOPA introduced its outreach program in Mariama’s village, it brought with it the promise of change and empowerment. Initially, Mariama was hesitant, her trust eroded by years of societal neglect and personal trauma. However, the genuine compassion and understanding she found in WOPA’s team gradually drew her in.
WOPA’s approach was distinctively holistic, recognizing that the path to healing and empowerment for survivors of GBV transcends mere emotional support. Key to this journey was economic empowerment—a pillar of WOPA’s strategy to equip women with the hope for a better future and the tools to build it. The Economic Empowerment Program offered by WOPA was a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform victims into victors and dependents into independent entrepreneurs.
Mariama enrolled in this program, which offered comprehensive training in small business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills. These sessions were more than just educational; they were transformative. They provided a safe space for Mariama to rediscover her self-esteem, reconnect with her forgotten dreams, and see herself not as a victim but as a capable and deserving individual.
The Result
The transformation witnessed in Mariama was nothing short of remarkable. From the vulnerable shadows of her past, she emerged as a figure of strength and confidence. The skills and knowledge gained from WOPA’s training empowered her to start a local trade business. She ventured into the marketplace with a resilience born from her experiences, and her business acumen, nurtured under the guidance of WOPA, saw her sustain and grow her enterprise.
Her business success became a symbol of her victory over the circumstances that once defined her. Mariama’s entrepreneurial journey was a beacon of inspiration for the other women in her community. She became a living testament to the power of resilience and empowerment, encouraging others to seek similar transformation paths.
Join Our Movement: Empower a Future
While unique in its details, Mariama’s story is symbolic of the potential that lies within every woman, often overshadowed by societal inequities and personal adversities. Her journey from a victim of gender-based violence to a thriving entrepreneur is a story that WOPA shares to highlight the transformative power of support, empowerment, and economic independence.
We at WOPA believe that stories like Mariama’s are not singular triumphs but part of a larger narrative of change that we are committed to writing across Liberia. We invite you to join us in this mission of empowerment. Support our initiatives, contribute to our programs, and become part of a movement that not only dreams of gender equality but actively works towards making it a tangible reality for women like Mariama and many others in Liberia. Together, we can turn these stories of individual triumph into a collective victory for women’s empowerment and gender equality.