Monrovia – Former Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has called on young women across Liberia to embrace self-reliance and take the lead in driving community transformation.
By Willie N. Tokpah
Speaking as keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of 36,000 participants from BRAC Liberia’s Mastercard Foundation-funded Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM) programme, Howard-Taylor urged the graduates to apply the skills acquired through the initiative to create meaningful change.
“You are the new generation of Liberia,” she said. “Now is the time to make your dreams a reality by using the skills you have learned. Show self-reliance and lead the change we want to see in our society.”
Held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, the event also marked the official launch of AIM’s third cohort.
Howard-Taylor, known for her long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment, emphasized the importance of resilience and leadership, sharing a personal reflection on how the thought of resigning from public office was challenged by her role as a mentor for aspiring young female leaders.
“I considered resigning, but I realised there were young female leaders who looked up to me,” she said. “We must remain steadfast in paving the way for the next generation.”
She praised BRAC Liberia’s holistic, community-centered approach and noted the programme’s significant impact, including the disbursement of over US$1.58 million in startup grants. More than 11,000 young women have used these funds to launch small businesses.
“This programme is not just building businesses. It is building futures, and ultimately, building Liberia,” she added.
The AIM programme, implemented across 240 clubs in 36 branches within seven counties, provides life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship training. It also links participants to broader support systems including microfinance, healthcare, and renewable energy services.
BRAC Liberia Country Director Juvenalius Cyprain Kuruletera said the initiative aligns with the national ARREST Agenda and is part of the organization’s wider efforts to combat poverty in all 15 counties.
“We are fighting poverty in all 15 counties,” he said. “Together, we can ensure every Liberian girl has the tools and network she needs to thrive.”
Ex-VP Taylor praised BRAC Liberia’s holistic, community-centered approach and noted the programme’s significant impact, including the disbursement of over US$1.58 million in startup grants. More than 11,000 young women have used these funds to launch small business.
AIM Programme Manager Alexis Keni-Keni reaffirmed BRAC’s commitment to reaching over 160,000 adolescent girls and young women by 2031. In the current cohort, 448 girls have enrolled in vocational training, while thousands more have received grants, livestock, seeds, and entrepreneurship training.
BRAC Liberia Microfinance CEO Dyson Mandivenga emphasized the broader impact of investing in women.
“When women rise, families and nations rise with them,” he said.
Government officials, including Deputy Youth and Sports Minister J. Bryant McGill and Deputy Gender Minister Atty. Laura Golakeh, also applauded the programme’s contribution to national priorities in education, employment, and economic development.
