In the heart of Ganta City, a resilient woman, Patience Manwon, embodies the spirit of perseverance amidst adversity. At 32 years old, with a physical disability, Patience tirelessly sells roasted corn on the streets to provide for her three children. Her story is a poignant reminder of the untapped potential within Liberia’s disabled community and underscores the urgent need for targeted support and inclusive economic empowerment.
Patience’s unwavering determination to support her family despite her challenges highlights the critical gaps in Liberia’s social safety nets and financial inclusion initiatives for persons with disabilities. Her plea for assistance to expand her small business — a vital source of livelihood — calls upon us all to recognize that disability should not be a barrier to economic participation or social inclusion.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has a pivotal role in championing policies that foster inclusive development. By prioritizing accessible financial services, entrepreneurship training, and targeted support programs for persons with disabilities, the government can help bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity. Supporting entrepreneurs like Patience not only empowers individuals but also drives broader economic growth and social cohesion.
Similarly, UN Women Liberia’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment aligns with the need to elevate women with disabilities as agents of change. Initiatives that promote inclusive entrepreneurship, access to credit, and awareness can transform lives and communities. Patience’s story exemplifies the resilience and potential that exist within marginalized groups, waiting to be unlocked through concerted efforts and strategic interventions.
We urge the Ministry and UN Women Liberia to consider establishing dedicated funds, mentorship programs, and accessible financial services tailored for women with disabilities. Such measures will enable entrepreneurs like Patience to expand their businesses, diversify income sources, and improve their families’ living standards.
Patience’s journey is more than a personal story; it’s a call to action for a more inclusive Liberia — one that recognizes the dignity, potential, and rights of all its citizens. Let us stand with her and many others by ensuring that support and opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Together, through targeted policies and inclusive programs, we can build a resilient, equitable economy where no one is left behind.
It is time for us to listen, support, and act — for Patience, for Liberia, and for a future where everyone can thrive.
