Bong County September 22, 2025- Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Karl Backéus, has emphasized that women’s empowerment is fundamental to national development, noting that empowering even one woman can uplift an entire generation.
Speaking during a community visit to an operational site of the Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project in Bong County, Ambassador Backéus called for greater inclusion of women across all components of the initiative.
“If one woman is empowered, it affects a whole generation. That’s why it is critical that we put more focus on ensuring women are fully included in all aspects of the REALISE Project,” the Ambassador stated.
Ambassador Backéus expressed Sweden’s satisfaction with the Government of Liberia for the effective implementation of the REALISE Project, which is aimed at revitalizing economic activity and providing temporary employment to vulnerable groups in the informal sector.
“The REALISE Project is having a visible and meaningful impact on the lives of its beneficiaries. In the face of mounting national challenges, it is important that efforts like these continue and are sustained,” he said.
The Swedish Government is contributing US$2.5 million in grant funding to support the project, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive economic recovery, social protection, and job creation for the most vulnerable, especially women and youth.
The REALISE Project is implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, with technical support from the World Bank. It aims to strengthen livelihoods through community-based public works, life-skills training, and support for small-scale enterprises across Liberia.
