On this International Women’s Day, the world pauses to honor the resilience, brilliance, and unstoppable strength of women everywhere. And in the heart of rural Liberia, one woman’s story rises like a beacon of what happens when opportunity meets determination.

This is the story of Ma Korpo Kwalah—farmer, leader, mother, trailblazer.

From Limited Tools to Limitless Vision

In the quiet community of Kpayarquelleh in Lofa County, Ma Korpo leads the Kpayarquelleh United Rural Women Inc., a cooperative of smallholder women farmers. Their days begin early with fields to tend, rice to cultivate, beans to harvest.

But for years, their hard work wasn’t reflected in production. The tools were basic. The markets were distant. Technical support was scarce.

“I used to work with basic tools and little help,” Ma Korpo recalls. “We worked hard, but it was not easy to produce enough or reach good markets. Sometimes I felt like we just needed more opportunities.”

Like many rural women across Liberia, her story echoed a common struggle, one with limited access to financing, equipment, and training. And yet, these are the very women who feed communities, sustain families, and keep local economies alive.

A New Dawn: When Support Meets Potential

Hope arrived through the UNDP Liberia Accelerated Community Development Programme (ACDP)—implemented with the Government of Liberia. For Ma Korpo and her cooperative, this was more than assistance; it was a turning point.

The programme provided a rice mill, gari processing machines, practical training in modern farming, and business and leadership training. And suddenly, everything changed.

Processing rice became faster, smoother, and more efficient. Quality improved. Production increased.
Planning became strategic. Decision‑making became confident.

“With the rice mill, we can process faster and produce better quality rice,” she says. “The training helped me understand business management skills and how to make informed decisions. I learned how to plan and work with my cooperative in a stronger way.”

Beyond Farming—A Leader Emerges

What truly blossomed wasn’t just productivity, it was leadership. Empowered by new skills, Ma Korpo began encouraging other women to step forward in joining cooperatives, learning new skills, believing in their abilities, and supporting one another.

“Women can do great things when given the opportunity,” she says with conviction.
“When we support each other, we all grow.”

First National Milestone: Ganta, 2025

2025 was unforgettable. For the first time ever, the cooperative showcased their produce at the National Agriculture Fair (NAF) in Ganta, Nimba County.

It was a moment of pride seeing their rice and beans displayed on a national stage.
Customers showed interest. Fellow farmers shared experiences. The women returned home inspired and motivated.

“The fair showed us that our efforts matter and our products are valuable,” Ma Korpo reflects. “It gave us confidence to continue improving.”

A Story of Empowerment That Goes Beyond One Woman

Ma Korpo Kwalah’s journey is a powerful testament to what happens when women receive the resources and space they deserve. 

When women are empowered families grow stronger, communities thrive, local economies expand, 
and the nation moves forward.

Through ACDP and other UNDP-supported initiatives, more women across Liberia are gaining access to tools, skills, markets, and knowledge—advancing gender equality, building sustainable livelihoods, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This International Women’s Month, let Ma Korpo’s journey remind us of this truth. “Progress begins with opportunities and women are ready for them.

Across Liberia, women farmers and entrepreneurs are leading change with courage, resilience, and unwavering hope. They are shaping the future, one harvest, one cooperative, one empowered community at a time.

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