The West Point Women for Health and Development Organization (WPWHDO) has wrapped up a four-day policy review retreat in Monrovia, marking a significant step in strengthening its operational framework and enhancing its impact.
Sponsored by the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education (RFSU), this retreat represents a critical juncture in WPWHDO’s 22-year journey, one that has seen the organization empower women and address key health challenges in West Point, one of Liberia’s most marginalized communities.
The retreat provided an opportunity for WPWHDO’s leadership and board members to review its strategic plan, human resource policy, and financial manual, with a view toward implementing sustainable reforms.
Executive Director Nelly S. Cooper emphasized the importance of recognizing the organization’s grassroots work, which has yielded tangible improvements in public health and community stability.
“For over 22 years, we’ve been a local organization, but the impact of our work extends far beyond West Point,” Cooper said. “We’ve contributed to reducing cholera outbreaks, improving food hygiene, and maintaining peace in our community. Yet, despite these successes, the government continues to overlook us simply because we don’t belong to their inner circle. It’s high time they acknowledge the critical role we play in supporting their efforts.”
Cooper underscored that the policy review was integral to ensuring WPWHDO’s long-term viability and effectiveness. The updated strategic plan aims to align the organization’s current activities with future goals, while the enhanced human resource policy is designed to promote greater accountability and operational efficiency.
“This retreat has given us the chance to assess our policies, update outdated provisions, and ensure that we are prepared to move forward in a more structured and effective way,” Cooper explained. “We are not just focusing on surviving, but on thriving. Our goal is to position WPWHDO as an organization that can operate effectively both locally and internationally.”
As part of the review process, the organization invited input from its board members and community representatives. Cooper emphasized the significance of inclusivity in policy development, noting that many of the organization’s members, though not highly literate, have been involved since the organization’s inception and bring invaluable on-the-ground experience.
“Our members may not have high academic qualifications, but their experience and insights are indispensable,” Cooper added. “Their input has been essential in shaping policies that truly reflect our mission and vision.”
Despite these efforts, WPWHDO faces ongoing challenges, particularly in terms of government engagement and support. Cooper expressed her frustration with the lack of recognition for the organization’s contributions to public health, especially given its role in addressing health crises that the government has struggled to control.
“Cholera outbreaks used to ravage West Point every year, but through our awareness campaigns and interventions, we have been able to mitigate these outbreaks,” Cooper noted. “We’re doing the work that the government should be doing, yet we struggle to even get their attention. Why should I waste time meeting with officials who don’t even acknowledge our efforts? They should be coming to us.”
Cooper called on the government to prioritize collaboration with grassroots organizations like WPWHDO, which are actively addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
“We’re not just asking for funding,” Cooper stated. “We are asking for recognition and a partnership that allows us to amplify our impact. With the right support, we can help ensure that no community is left behind.”
Mr. Benjamin Tanu, lead facilitator and consultant for the retreat, praised WPWHDO for its dedication and strategic vision. He commended the participants for their active involvement in the policy review process, noting that the retreat had been highly productive and insightful.
“The strategic plan was thoroughly examined, and the participants gained a deeper understanding of their roles within the organization,” Tanu said. “What stood out was the enthusiasm and commitment of the members, which was truly inspiring.”
Tanu also highlighted WPWHDO’s success in conflict resolution and community mediation, skills that align with the government’s upcoming alternative dispute resolution policy. “WPWHDO is already implementing many of the strategies that the government is planning to roll out,” he noted. “This clearly underscores the need for more collaboration and greater support from national leaders.”
Mary K. Gbollie, President of WPWHDO’s Board, encouraged retreat participants to apply the knowledge and tools they had gained to further strengthen the organization and its operations. “This retreat has provided us with a clear roadmap and the tools to move forward with purpose and unity,” Gbollie said. “Let’s take what we’ve learned and build an even stronger, more sustainable organization that continues to make a difference.”
As the retreat concluded, WPWHDO reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and improving community health. However, Cooper emphasized that achieving the organization’s full potential requires not only continued grassroots efforts but also recognition and support from both the government and international partners.
“We are not just a community-based organization; we are change-makers,” Cooper said. “It’s time the government acknowledges the vital role we play in creating a better Liberia. We need them to see us for who we truly are and collaborate with us to achieve even greater impact.”
