Jewel Makes Powerful Case for “Precious Jewel” -“Every Child Must be Protected Against Violence,” She Says at Accra Child Summit

Liberia Vice President, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor, continues to make worthy rounds across the African Continent and beyond, as a motivation speaker to whom most organizers of prestigious international events turn for wisdom and counsel. Her comfort terrain is specifically children and women issues—a vocation she enjoys even long before she came to national and international spotlight as an acclaimed feminist advocate. She was once again at her best when she took the rostrum at the Child Summit and Awards program organized by Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Center (PALEDEC) in Accra, Ghana.  She used the occasion to zoom in on fresh perspectives on children, ranging from protection to education, and drummed up concerted support for the general welfare of children, mainly orphans and unaccompanied. The Analyst reports.

The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Chief Dr Jewel Howard-Taylor served as Keynote Speaker at the Child Summit and Awards, held in Accra, Ghana on September 7th, 2019 at the British Council. The Summit and Awards was organized by the Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Center (PALEDEC).

Madam Vice President spoke on the theme: Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.  In her thoughtful presentation, VP Howard-Taylor opined that Children are Africa’s precious jewels and custodians of the continent’s legacy. She proffered that the celebration of the outstanding potentials, exceptional skills, and remarkable achievements of the children of Africa remains incomplete if we fail to advocate for the protection of children against rape, torture, child trafficking and female genital mutilation.

Madam Howard-Taylor reaffirmed her commitment to ensure that all forms of violence against children are eliminated.  Vice President Howard-Taylor shared the platform with H.E. Princess Samoa A. Ansari, Investment Advisor for the Private Royal Offices, Abu Dhabi, Hon. Cynthia Mamie Morrison, Minister of Gender, Children & Social Protection, Republic of Ghana, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation & Water Resources, Republic of Ghana and Madam Marisa Beth Miller, CEO of Phoenix Global, USA.

Madam Howard-Taylor also received the Grand Order of the Hand Merit Honour, which is the highest civilian recognition to acknowledge the exceptional services for the protection of child rights and welfare. The conferment was also based on Madam Vice President distinct leadership qualities throughout her 20 years of public service and empowerment of young girls through education, skills and training, under the flagship program of the Jewel Starfish Foundation.

Since 2015, PALEDEC has consistently organized this Summit and Awards in one of Africa’s Capitals with over 1,800 participants and over 70 Awardees to include political leaders, celebrities, business leaders and civil society actors. This year’s Summit and Awards witnessed the convergence of more than 100 participants from about 25 countries in Africa and other parts of the world.