-Through Village Saving Loan Scheme
medica Liberia has increased empowerment for five new Village Saving Loan Association (VSLA) group by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide each group with US$1,000, totaling US$5,000 in financial support.
This funding is intended to empower women to start small-scale businesses and sustain the organization’s vital work at the community level.
At the ceremony held yesterday at medica Liberia’s head office in Old Road, the Women Economic Empowerment Outreach Worker, Madam Martha Ballah, highlighted that since 2006, medica Liberia has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of women and girls in Liberia, particularly those affected by violence.
According to her, this sustainability-focused strategy empowers women economically by helping them form savings and loan groups. These groups provide not only financial support but also foster leadership and business skills among women in the community.
She added that the VSLA initiative began in 2015 in Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Sinoe counties, where medica Liberia introduced a revolving fund to support women’s economic activities.
“This effort led to the formation of several VSLA groups, which received extensive training in business, leadership skills, and record-keeping. To aid their development, medica Liberia provided start-up kits, which were pivotal in ensuring the groups operated efficiently,” she stressed.
By 2017, the initiative expanded to Montserrado and Margibi counties, establishing three more VSLA groups. The success of these groups encouraged further expansion, and in 2023, five new groups were formed and trained in communities such as Soul Clinic, Marshall, Boys Town, World Bank, and Duazon.
According to her, in 2015, the organization localized its operations to expand its reach across the country. “Currently, medica Liberia operates in Sinoe, Montserrado, and Margibi counties, employing a holistic approach to service delivery.”
She highlighted the Stress and Trauma Approach (STA) method, which provides immediate support to survivors of violence, focusing on their emotional and psychological needs. Meanwhile, the SASA (Start, Awareness, Support, and Action) strategy involves preventive measures, community awareness, and actions to stop violence before it occurs.
Madam Kumba F. Solunteh, a Record Keeper from the World Bank community in Kakata, Margibi, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We thank medica Liberia for their support, which will enable us to sustain our children and encourage other women to participate. We pray for the strength to use this money wisely and fulfill the purpose medica Liberia envisions.”
Martha S. Joe, a Money Counter from Soul Clinic, Paynesville, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of trust and collaboration among the women, and expressing pride in the initiative’s fulfillment of its promises.
Mbalu W. Jusu, representing medica Liberia, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring financial independence and stability for women.
“The VSLA is a key component of our sustainability approach, focusing on enabling women to access necessary services and empowering them to enjoy their full rights,” she said.
She added, “Today’s MOU signing is a testament to our hope that this small investment will yield significant benefits not just for the communities but for the entire population of Liberia.”
medica Liberia is a national nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting the rights and well-being of women and girls in Liberia. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has been committed to advocating for survivors of violence and empowering women through various community-driven initiatives.
