Abraham and Sarah

As the women’s empowerment project begins in Liberia, rabbits are essential aspects of the teaching and training. The aim of Empowering Women: Liberia is to improve food security and income generation without adding significantly to the heavy workload most African women already carry.


In addition to the skills training, each woman will receive the equipment and stock required to launch a micro-enterprise venture. At least two students per course will be trained as trainers to continue the program after Mercy Ships leaves.

After the recent success of the women’s empowerment projects during the Ghana field service, Kate Beck and Jutta Meyer, are excited to be heading up the project again.

"Ghana was an experiment, but hugely successful," explains Kate. "Although we were not the teachers there, we sat through so many sessions that we feel we can now run with the project and expand it."


Bumping and rocking over the uneven roads, Kate and Jutta travel out to one of their Liberian women’s groups. Tucked away in a box on the back seat sits Abraham, a male rabbit. Oblivious to his importance, Kate explains the reason behind his name.

"Due to the years of war, it has been almost impossible to locate any rabbits. Therefore Abraham needs to be a father of many," laughs Kate, "The plan is to breed the pair and be able to distribute their bunnies amongst the women."

Tina Gayek, 19, is a participant in the project. Sitting in the classroom and waiting for the session to begin, Tina explains how, due to the war, she was unable to go to school, but now she is attending grade 7 and has fresh hopes for the future.


"I knew people who raised rabbits before the war, so when I heard about this project I thought it sounded really interesting. It is so important for each one of us sitting here to empower ourselves to do something. I’m so excited about this opportunity."

Because of the immense need in Liberia, Mercy Ships has partnered with a number of organizations. Daniel Dalton, head of local NGO Paracom, explains his vision for the women and the future of Liberia.

"The poverty rate is huge. It is essential now to help empower communities to get back on their feet again. One aspect of my organization is to provide skills training to women. Joining with Mercy Ships has been excellent and an answer to prayer. The rabbit project is unusual but there’s definitely a market for it."


Back on the dockside, Abraham and Sarah reside in their hutches alongside the Mercy Ship. Contently munching pieces of carrot and cabbage, little do they know the hope they bring as they are used to empower Liberian women.