Hundreds of market women were in a jubilant mood yesterday when Chevron Liberia signed a grant agreement with a local women group under the umbrella of the United Women Business Center (UWBC) in the Paynesville community.The signing of the grant agreement will be followed by a construction of 12 warehouses that will be owned and operated by the market women. The warehouse will be used to store essential merchandise that is needed on the Liberian market.

At the signing ceremony yesterday in the Omega Community, the President of UWBC Ms. Darlene Johnson said she was happy for the construction of the warehouse which will benefit about 320 women doing business in their organization.

Ms. Johnson told the audience that the United Women Business Center will not only build warehouses but has a plan to buy a truck for their businesses and build a parking lot. She lauded Chevron Liberia for the initiative and the opportunity given them to advance their business skill.

For his part, the Supply Chain Manager of Chevron Mr. Richard Weaver Chevron Liberia Economic Development (C-LED) initiative, as part of Chevron's 5-year social development plan focuses on three areas of immense need in Liberia.

Mr. Weaver explained that C-LED initiatives are in the areas of health, with specific on mother and child healthcare considering the high maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity rate in the country; education with focus on vocational and technical skills training and development; and enterprise development with focus on livelihood enhancement and creation.

He acknowledged that the determination of the women of Liberia cannot be underestimated and such Chevron as a partner of choice has taken the first step in support of these activities that leads to the overall goal of rebuilding Liberia and empowering the strong women of this country.

Mr. Weaver described the signing of the grant as a great opportunity to empower women but it is expected that the organization will uphold the trust that Chevron has in them (the women) and move ahead establishing a facility that would shield the goods from rain and sunshine and also protect it from theft.