Former Liberian President Sirleaf Demands "Deliberate Policies" to Bridge Gender Gap as 7.8 Million Nigerian Girls Remain Out of School

Ex-President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf joins the Rochas Foundation to advocate for girl-child education and deliberate policies for women in leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 5:31 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Sirleaf Challenges Leaders to Move Beyond Literacy Toward Power

The discourse on gender equality in West Africa received a high-profile boost on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressed a special "Women's Month" gathering in Abuja. Delivering a keynote address for the Rochas Foundation, Sirleaf argued that the inclusion of women in national life cannot be left to chance or gradual social shifts. Instead, she maintained that progress requires "deliberate policy choices" and a sustained commitment to placing women in positions of authority where they can influence the trajectory of their nations.

The "Ripple Effect" of Education on Generational Development

Themed “Give to Gain: Women, Education and Impact – The Ripple Effect,” the event focused on the transformative power of the girl-child. Sirleaf noted that while education is the foundation, it is not the final goal. According to the former president, an educated girl who becomes a vital participant in regional development acts as a catalyst for entire generations. However, she warned that society often fails to create the necessary "pathways to opportunity" that allow these educated women to transition into leadership roles, effectively stalling the potential for national growth.

Nigeria’s "Out-of-School" Pandemic: A Crisis in Numbers

The Director General of the Rochas Foundation, Uchechi Rochas, provided a sobering statistical backdrop to the discussion. Citing recent data, she revealed that over 7.8 million girls in Nigeria are currently out of school, contributing to a broader national total of 10.2 million children lacking access to basic education. Rochas described this situation as a "pandemic" that threatens the future of the Nigerian woman. For these millions of girls, she argued, education is not merely about literacy but is a critical tool for avoiding early marriage and gaining the freedom of choice.