By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – September 29, 2025 — The Harper City Hall was filled with expressions of gratitude and jubilation as a coalition of women’s groups—specifically the Maryland Fish Women Association and the Rural Women Farmers Association of Maryland County—hosted an appreciation ceremony for Conservation International (CI) Liberia. The event recognized CI’s pivotal role in empowering women and advancing community livelihoods through its Blue Oceans Program (BOP).
The colorful event, held on September 29, 2025, began with a grand welcoming ceremony for the visiting delegation at the A.G. Tubman Airport. High-profile attendees included the Swedish Ambassador to Liberia and Sierra Leone, H.E. Karh Barkeus, CI Liberia Country Director Mamodu Kemokai, and representatives from key government partners such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Development Authority (FDA), and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).
The appreciation program served as a platform for the women’s groups to share powerful, personal stories of empowerment. Their testimonies highlighted how the Blue Oceans Program, which is funded by Sida (Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete) through the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, has been instrumental in strengthening resilience and improving livelihoods across Maryland County.
Miss Eliza P. Smith, President of the Maryland Fish Women Association, described the difficult struggles fishmongers faced prior to CI’s intervention.
“For years, we found it hard to transport our fish due to the high cost of transportation,” Smith explained. “Many times, we entrusted bike riders with our goods, only for them to disappear with our market. We were selling individually, without any structure, and it was hard to survive.”
She explained that the Blue Oceans Program encouraged the women to form cooperatives and work collectively. This approach allowed them to begin collecting dues, building solidarity, and eventually gaining the attention of CI and NaFAA.
“With their support, we received training in leadership, seven freezers, and two tricycles. Now, our fish is not spoiling, and we can transport it easily to sell. Our children are going to school, and we are recognized in society,” she stated. Smith concluded with an appeal for additional support, specifically requesting access to loans to expand their growing businesses.
Similarly, Madam Phelicia F. Towalid, President of the Rural Women Farmers Association of Maryland County, praised CI for empowering rural women engaged in farming.
“We are many, and most of us are widows,” Towalid said. “With support from Conservation International, we received two computers, two motorbikes, 150 cutlasses, 150 pairs of boots, and other equipment. This has given us new hope. We appeal to CI not to stop helping us because farming is our only livelihood.”
As a token of their gratitude, both women’s associations presented certificates of appreciation to Conservation International and the Swedish Government. Ambassador Barkeus was further honored with traditional gifts, including country rice, bitter balls, and dry fish—symbols of the communities’ deep appreciation.
The Swedish Ambassador expressed admiration for the women’s resilience, stating, “Seeing and hearing about the differences in your lives is truly inspiring. The level of cooperation you have shown is commendable. ”He encouraged them to use the provided resources wisely to benefit more women and communities.
Mr. Valentine Ebua, CI’s Managing Director for West and Central Africa, commended the women for their determination and shared CI’s expectation that, within the next two years, the groups would not only thrive but also develop value chains in fisheries to elevate their businesses.
In his maiden address, the new CI Liberia Country Director, Mr. Mamodu Kemokai, pledged unwavering support to the women’s associations, reaffirming CI’s commitment to sustainable development. “We will continue to stand with women, coastal communities, and partners in protecting nature and securing livelihoods for generations to come,” Kemokai stated.
The Blue Oceans Program, with a funding package of US $48,000, has already made a measurable impact across five Maryland County communities: Cavalla, Whole Graway, Rock Town, Middle Town, and Fish Town. By providing resources and training to women fishmongers and rural farmers, the initiative directly addresses both environmental sustainability and poverty reduction.
The initiative promotes collective action and economic empowerment, demonstrating how international partnerships can bring lasting, transformative change to local communities. As the event concluded, the optimism inside Harper City Hall signaled a turning point for the women of Maryland County, whose voices are now being amplified through partnerships that value resilience and sustainability.
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