Bong County, Liberia: ForumCiv Liberia, in partnership with the Programme Steering Committee (PSC) of Bong County, has successfully concluded a three-day joint monitoring exercise across several communities in the county. The initiative, which ended on Friday, June 13, was aimed at assessing the progress and challenges of Swedish Embassy-funded projects being implemented by ForumCiv’s partner organizations.

ForumCiv Country Manager, Asa David Chon, said the exercise was organized to gain firsthand insight into the impact of ongoing community-based projects, beyond the routine reports submitted by implementing partners. “We wanted to hear directly from the beneficiaries how these interventions are transforming their lives,” Mr. Chon stated.

The PSC delegation, which includes representatives from the office of Bong County Superintendent, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Liberia Land Authority, and the Civil Society Council of Bong County, visited key project communities to document lessons learned and offer strategic recommendations.

ForumCiv is a Swedish civil society organization that works to empower marginalized communities and defend democracy and human rights, with a focus on strengthening civil society in Liberia. In Liberia, their work centers on promoting land rights for women and youth, strengthening civil society organizations, and advocating for social justice and sustainable development. 

Empowering Women Through VSLA – Naama, Zota District

The monitoring mission began in Naama, Zota District, where the Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) is implementing ForumCiv’s “Our Land Project.” The project promotes women and youth access to land and supports Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA).

“We are using small loans to support ourselves and our families,” said J. Walker Kollie, General Secretary of the local VSLA. Beneficiaries primarily women also reported that they are now resolving minor land disputes using Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, thanks to training on the Land Rights Act.

They appealed for the construction of a dedicated meeting hall to enhance their group activities.

Youth-Led Land Rights Awareness – Pelelei, Zota District

In Pelelei Town, the Youth Positive Transformation Initiative (YOPTI) is spearheading the “Harnessing Youth Land Rights for Community Development” (HYLRFCD) project. Funded by the Swedish Embassy, the initiative has educated community members about women’s rights to land and supported youth-led farming on inherited land.

“We didn’t know women could own land until YOPTI trained us. Now we’re farming and resolving land disputes,” shared Kermah G. Tokpah, a beneficiary.

Land Rights Education Takes Root – Wainsue, Jorquelleh Electoral District 3

On the same day, the team visited Wainsue Town, where DELTA Human Rights Foundation is empowering communities through legal literacy on the Land Rights Act. Community members highlighted the project’s role in enabling women and youth to claim land ownership and engage in income-generating activities.

Raising Awareness and Building Confidence – David Dean’s Town

In David Dean’s Town, the Foundation for International Dignity (FIND) is working with four communities to raise awareness about land access for women and youth. Beneficiaries reported improved understanding of land ownership and a growing ability to resolve disputes peacefully.

Supporting Survivors and Advocating for Women – Zoweinta, District One

The mission continued in Zoweinta, where Menleleh Incorporated (MI) is implementing a project focused on women’s land rights and gender-based violence (GBV) support. The initiative offers both psychosocial and financial assistance to survivors of GBV, while increasing awareness around women’s legal rights.

“We now understand how to report violence and claim our rights,” said Doris Dolo, Chairperson of the Make-It-Way Women Group.

Strengthening Agricultural Initiatives – Melekie Community

In Melekie, DELTA is also supporting the Kerlequale-da-Welekemah Agriculture Development Group under the Our Land Project. Beneficiaries called for logistical support—such as farming tools and rain gear—to help them expand their agricultural activities while resolving land disputes peacefully within their community.

The monitoring team concluded the mission with additional visits to lower Bong County communities, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that Swedish-funded projects remain impactful and responsive to local needs.

Written By: Melvin Paylee Zico Siakor/mpzsiakor1847@gmail.com