MONROVIA, May 31 (LINA) -Veteran Liberian educator Mary Brownell has admonished parents to allow their female children to acquire academic education first before cultural education.
She said while it is true that Liberians must uphold their cultural values, such as initiation in the Sande and Poro societies, women will be able to contribute more meaningfully to the growth of their country if first given academic education.
She challenged parents to place equal emphasis on the education of their girl child, saying, “When you educate a woman, you have educated a nation.’’
According to the Liberia News Agency, Madam Brownell made the call Friday when she delivered a statement at a one-day roundtable discussion on the importance of National Unification Day at the Chamber of Commerce.
Madam Brownell pointed out that in the past women were denied education and confined to the role of housewives, who had no meaningful contribution to make to society.
But, she said, women are important components in building a vibrant society, adding that unless they are given the opportunity to acquire education, the many problems facing the country will remain largely unresolved.
LINA RS/JGT/TSS/PTK