By Vaye Abel Lepolu
vayelepolu446@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – A major boost for women and disability empowerment is underway as the Startup Grow Foundation, an international non-profit based in Morocco, has signed a four-year partnership with Liberia’s Second Lady’s office Madam Synleseh Stephanie Dahn Kong to advance skills training, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.
At the launch, Madam Hanane Ait Aissa, President of Startup Grow Foundation, said the initiative will focus on building the capacity of Liberian women through financial management, human resource training, business development, and mentorship. She disclosed that the program will also provide international exchange opportunities between Liberia and Morocco to foster innovation and knowledge sharing.
“This partnership is designed to give Liberian women, especially those with disabilities, the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. We believe that by empowering women, we are empowering families, communities, and nations,” Madam Ait Aissa stressed.
The program, which has already impacted more than 3,000 women in Morocco since 2016, is set to reach at least 2,05 Liberian women over the next four years.
Salma, Director of Women’s Development Programs at Startup Grow, emphasized the significance of the Second Lady’s involvement. “Her participation gives visibility to Liberian women at the international level and strengthens ties between Liberia and Morocco,” she said.
The initiative falls under Startup Grow’s flagship project “Grow Women,” launched in Morocco under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, which has inspired thousands of African women entrepreneurs. Plans are also underway to establish a local office in Liberia to work with grassroots associations and entrepreneurs.
With this partnership, Liberia joins Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire as countries collaborating with Startup Grow Foundation on women’s empowerment and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, the Madam Hanane Ait Aissa mentioned that, the foundation will also look out side the box of the disabilities women empowerment,but tried empowerment professional journalists and disadvantage Youths through the embassy of Morocco. “Female Journalists in Morocco and Liberia Female Journalists are also going to be in partnership for the growth and development of Liberian female Journalists” she said.
