Karzah Community Secures Customary Land Deed

Women secure land rights in Liberia

For the people of Karzah in Lofa County, Liberia, securing their customary land deed is an important step towards protecting their land and having a stronger voice in decisions about its future.
The achievement came through years of community advocacy, awareness-raising and dialogue, supported by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary through Social Empowerment Through Learning (SELL MSHR).
The project was made possible through collaboration and generous funding from Irish Aid via ForumCiv, with technical support from the Liberia Land Authority.
But the land deed is only part of the story.

Women Finding Their Voice

One of the most significant changes has been the growing participation of women in decisions about community land.
Through sustained community dialogue, women began challenging traditional barriers that had prevented them from speaking about land matters in the presence of men. They also took an active role in protecting their community’s land, including speaking out against illegal mining and unauthorised logging.
Their growing involvement opened the way for stronger female leadership.
A woman was appointed Chairperson of the Community Land Development and Management Committee (CLDMC), a committee made up of equal numbers of women and men.
Her appointment reflects a significant change: women are taking an active role in decisions about their community’s land and future.

A Shared Achievement

SELL MSHR was founded by the Sisters to respond to the needs of marginalised people. In Karzah, the work brought together community members, civil society, government institutions and development partners around a shared goal.
The presentation of the customary land deed marks an important milestone, but its value goes beyond the document itself. It represents greater participation, stronger local leadership, and a community better placed to protect its land.
For Karzah, it is a reason to celebrate—and a foundation for the work ahead.