Address
777 UN Plaza, Suite 3C
New York, NY 10017
Website
www.smwf.org
Description
The Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund (SMWF) was established in 2006 to improve the lives of Liberian market women and their families. A 2007 survey found approximately 204,000 market women with families that may include six to eight children, some orphans of war or AIDS. These women, although poor and uneducated, are essential contributors to the national economy and nutritional health.
Today, SMWF is nearly halfway to its goal of 50 markets with facilities for tens of thousands of market women, their families and communities. SMWF markets have electricity, clean water, sanitation, safe storage, business training, micro-credit, adult and preschool education.
SMWF works in partnership with the Government of Liberia, UN organizations, the African Women’s Development Fund and non-governmental organizations. SMWF/US, with an international board, raises funds and audits progress. SMWF/Liberia, with its own board, oversees and manages market construction, facilities and services.
Category
Education – Preschool, Education – Other, Human Rights, Hunger & Poverty, Women
