By Stephen G. Fellajuah
CONGO TOWN, Liberia, October 20, 2026- Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah has urged young girls and women to build self-confidence, embrace their purpose, and resist the pressure to seek validation through social media.
She warned that excessive dependence on online approval can undermine their identity and personal development.
Dr. Jallah spoke at She’s the Way, a girls’ mentorship summit held Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The event brought together hundreds of young girls and women from Montserrado, Bomi, Bong and other parts of Liberia, alongside prominent Liberian women and distinguished guests.
Speaking on the influence of social media on young people, the minister said the home environment and parental guidance play a critical role in shaping how children use digital platforms and develop their sense of self-worth.
“The home space” is where children should first learn what matters in life, she said, cautioning that young people who lack such guidance may turn to external influences to find acceptance and a sense of belonging.
Dr. Jallah questioned whether social media genuinely promotes meaningful social connections, arguing that young people can become emotionally dependent on likes, comments and other forms of online recognition from people they may never have met.
She also criticized what she described as a “microwave generation,” in which young people expect quick success and immediate gratification without understanding that personal growth and achievement require time, patience and perseverance.
According to the minister, the desire to appear successful and accepted can drive young people to measure their worth against the lifestyles and achievements displayed online, rather than focusing on their own development and contributions to society.
“If we stop allowing people to define how we feel, we’re going to see that social media does not dictate to us. Rather, we dictate to it,” Dr. Jallah said, urging young people to take control of their online experiences instead of allowing digital platforms to determine their self-esteem.
She further warned about cyberbullying and harmful online commentary, encouraging girls to develop confidence in themselves, understand their purpose and engage with social media at a pace that does not negatively affect their well-being.
Beyond digital awareness, the education minister encouraged young women to cultivate a reading culture, describing books as essential tools for expanding knowledge, strengthening personal values and preparing for leadership.
She also emphasized financial literacy, urging young women to prioritize saving, planning and investing in their futures rather than spending their earnings solely on fashion, beauty and other immediate desires.
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