MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia’s former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has challenged Girl Guides across West Africa to uphold integrity and remain thirsty for knowledge.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Liberia Girl Guides Association’s 100th Anniversary celebration in Paynesville City, Madam Johnson-Sirleaf said,” Academic Knowledge alone is not enough for women to compete with men”.
She said;” Women must also develop strong character and embrace continuous learning to succeed in their various fields”.
Madam Johnson-Sirleaf welcomed Girl Guides from Burkina Faso, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and other West African countries to Liberia for the historic celebration.
The former President also praised the leadership of the Liberia Girl Guides Association for its commitment to serving and empowering girls and women.
Also speaking, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor described young people as the most precious resources any country can boast of.
Madam Howard-Taylor said,” A nation can only prosper when equal opportunities are provided for all citizens, regardless of gender and background”.
She called on parents to prioritize the education of their children, and abandon the mindset that girls are limited to domestic work.
According to the former Vice President, more girls are now competing with boys in schools, describing the development as welcoming.
Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor said,” Educating a girl is a way of empowering her to contribute meaningfully to the development, as welcoming”.
The former Vice President said educating a girl is a way of empowering her to contribute meaningfully to the larger society.