ADWANGA

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Empowering Liberia’s Disadvantaged and Traumatized Women and Girls Through Education, Justice, and Hope.

About ADWANGA

Empowering Liberian Women & Girls Since 2005

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Who We Are

Founded in 2005 by humanitarian Amelia M. Thomas Cooper, ADWANGA is a Liberian NGO dedicated to empowering women and girls affected by conflict, poverty, and injustice.

"Rebuilding Liberia through women's empowerment"

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What We Do

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Education

Support for adolescent girls

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Economic Power

Skills training & business

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GBV Response

Justice & support

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Adult Literacy

Education programs

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Why We Exist

Liberia faces critical challenges including:

Teenage pregnancy
Sexual violence
Harmful cultural practices
HIV/AIDS stigma

We ensure every woman and girl can live with dignity and opportunity.

Our Vision

ADWANGA hopes to see women and girls of Liberia empowered and are fully involved in the process of governance and decision-making and as well enjoy their full rights and protection under the law.

Mission Statement

The organization for Aiding Disadvantaged and Traumatized Women and Girls (ADWANGA) works to promote women and girl's empowerment and participation in policies and decision-making in Liberia through programs that will enhance their self-esteem, dignity and self-reliance.

Our Approach

Through community-driven initiatives, capacity-building, and legal advocacy, we help women and girls gain the tools they need to:

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Defend Their Rights

Empowering women with legal knowledge and access to justice through our legal aid and rights awareness programs.

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Speak Out Against Violence

Training survivors to advocate against gender-based violence, breaking the silence in communities and policy spaces.

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Pursue Education & Careers

Offering adult literacy, digital skills, and career training to open up new opportunities for girls and women.

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Participate in Civic Life

Supporting women’s participation in governance, leadership, and civil society initiatives through mentorship and dialogue.

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Build Community Support

Forming women-led groups and community coalitions to drive local change and collective action from the grassroots.

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Foster Safe Dialogue

Creating spaces for healing conversations, survivor storytelling, and intergenerational exchange to build solidarity.

Our Reach & Impact

Empowering women and girls across Liberia through community engagement, education, and advocacy.

300+

Women & Girls Empowered

50+

Communities Reached

1000+

Career Trainings Delivered

500+

Legal Aid Cases Supported

Join the Movement Learn About Our Programs

Voices of Change

Hear from the women whose lives we've transformed

"The vocational training gave me skills to start my own business. Now I can support my family with dignity."

John K.

Small Business Owner, Monrovia

"The legal aid program helped me regain custody of my children. I'm forever grateful for this organization."

Marie T.

Mother of Three, Gbarnga

"Through the mentorship program, I gained the confidence to pursue my education. I'm now in university!"

Aminata B.

University Student, Harper

Amelia M. Cooper

Executive Director

About Our Executive Director

Amelia M. Cooper is the Executive Director of the Organization for Aiding Disadvantaged and Traumatized Women and Girls (ADWANGA). A passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice, Amelia leads ADWANGA’s mission to empower Liberian women and girls to actively participate in governance, decision-making, and to fully enjoy their rights and protections under the law. With a strong commitment to restoring dignity, self-esteem, and self-reliance among marginalized communities, she has been instrumental in shaping impactful programs that promote women’s voices and leadership in Liberia’s development agenda. Amelia’s vision is to see a Liberia where every woman and girl is empowered, protected, and positioned to thrive.

Board of Directors

Caroline Bowah

Acting Board Chair

Sheena Cooper

Board Member

Massa Crayton

Board Member

Get in touch With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our organization

ADWANGA primarily focuses on empowering women and girls in Liberia through programs that enhance self-esteem, dignity, and self-reliance. We work to increase their participation in governance and decision-making processes.

There are several ways to get involved: volunteering your time, making donations, participating in our awareness campaigns, or partnering with us on specific projects. Visit our "Get Involved" page for more details.

We currently operate in three counties: Montserrado, Bong, and Nimba, with our headquarters in Monrovia. We're working to expand our reach to other counties in the coming years.

We use a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics including pre- and post-program assessments, participant surveys, and long-term tracking of beneficiaries' progress in education, employment, and community leadership.

While our primary focus is on women and girls, we do have some programs that involve men as allies and partners in promoting gender equality. These include awareness workshops and community dialogues.