– Physically Challenged Woman Seeks Support To Expand Her Business
By: Shallon S. Gonlor/ shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
GANTA CITY, NIMBA COUNTY — Patience Manwon, a 32-year-old woman with a physical disability, is appealing for public support to help establish and expand her small business in Ganta City. Despite her challenges, Patience remains determined to provide for her three children and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams.
A dedicated mother and high school graduate since 2012, Patience is passionate about her business of selling roasted corn on the bustling streets of Ganta. Every day, she braves the challenges of her condition to earn a livelihood, demonstrating resilience and unwavering commitment. However, limited access to financial resources continues to hinder her ability to grow her business and improve her family’s living standards.
Her situation is further strained by the financial incapacity of her family members, including her children’s father, who struggles to meet his parental responsibilities. Patience’s heartfelt plea underscores the urgent need for support—she is seeking assistance from individuals, institutions, and the government of Liberia to empower her with the financial means to expand her enterprise.
In an emotional interview on Saturday, Patience shared, “My children’s father is hardworking, but his income is not enough to cover our basic needs. Life is very hard for us, and I want to do more to support my children.” She explained that her current business, which involves selling roasted corn, is seasonal. Once the season passes, she faces periods of uncertainty without alternative income sources.
Undeterred by her challenges, Patience begins her days early, traveling the highways of Ganta and neighboring areas to buy LD$1,000 worth of corn, which she sells to make a living and send her children to school. Her story highlights the daily struggles faced by disabled entrepreneurs in Liberia and underscores the importance of inclusive economic opportunities.
Patience’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit serve as an inspiring example in Liberia’s business community, demonstrating that disability does not define one’s potential for success. She hopes that increased awareness and support will enable her to establish a provision shop and diversify her income streams, reducing her reliance on seasonal sales.
Her appeal emphasizes the urgent need for accessible financial services and targeted support programs for persons with disabilities. By empowering entrepreneurs like Patience, Liberia can foster a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone and contributes to national development.
Patience is calling on both local and international communities, as well as government agencies, to assist her in overcoming financial barriers so she can expand her business and improve her family’s livelihood. Her story underscores the broader challenge faced by disabled entrepreneurs across Liberia and the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to funding and support.
Through her determination and resilience, Patience is not only striving to improve her own life but also becoming a role model for others, proving that with the right support, disability is no barrier to success.
