Empowering women for financial independence in Wulu Town Liberia

Wulu Town, like many rural areas across Liberia, faces challenges such as limited access to banks, reliable income sources, and support services. For women in particular, opportunities to earn and save money are few and far between. Many rely solely on subsistence farming or petty trade to survive. But even with hard work, the daily struggle to pay school fees, access healthcare, or save for emergencies remains a heavy burden, especially for mothers.

Understanding this reality, SEWODA introduced the VSLA as a grassroots solution that would allow women to support one another financially and grow together as a community. Twenty-eight women came forward, ready to learn and build something new. They were trained in simple financial management, how to contribute savings regularly, how to issue and repay small loans, and how to keep records.

With a humble starting contribution of 38,000 Liberian Dollars pooled together, they began their journey. One year later, the group has generated a profit of 65,120 LRDand what’s more important is the transformation it has brought to the lives of its members.

Oretha Saydee, used funds from the group to help her daughter access urgent medical treatment in Monrovia.

Theresa Wulu, a member of the group and a mother of school-age children, shared how the VSLA helped her pay her children’s school fees without having to beg or borrow from outside. Before, she would worry every term about how to keep her children in class. Now, with support from the group and small loans she can manage, she’s able to send them to school with peace of mind.

Another member, Oretha Saydee, used funds from the group to help her daughter access urgent medical treatment in Monrovia. For many families in rural towns like Wulu, the cost of transport and treatment in the city is beyond reach. But with the support of her fellow women and the savings they had worked hard to grow together, Oretha was able to help her daughter recover.

The VSLA has done more than provide money; it has given women a sense of dignity, power, and unity

These stories are just two among many. The VSLA has done more than provide money; it has given women a sense of dignity, power, and unity. In a place where women often feel forgotten, this group has created a space of belonging, mutual trust, and shared purpose.

During a recent community visit, the ForumCiv Liberia team witnessed the strength and energy of the group firsthand. There was pride in the women’s voices as they shared their progress, and a strong sense of ownership in what they had built together. The VSLA meetings are not just about money, they are about supporting one another, solving problems, and building a better future.

Looking ahead, the group has bold new plans. They want to move beyond saving and lending into agriculture, growing crops together as a new way to raise funds and ensure sustainability. With access to land and the support of local leadership, they hope to start small-scale farming that will bring more income, food security, and independence for the members and their families.

This vision is inspiring, and it shows what can happen when rural women are trusted, trained, and empowered to lead. With very little, they have achieved so much. And their success reminds us of a powerful truth: when women in rural communities are given the chance to lead, the entire community benefits.

At ForumCiv Liberia, we are proud to work alongside organizations like SEWODA and brave women in places like Wulu Town. Together, we are not just promoting savings, we are building resilience, restoring dignity, and creating real opportunities for rural women to rise and thrive.

The journey of the Wulu VSLA has only just begun and we look forward to walking beside them as they continue to break barriers and build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.