The Inspiring Journey of Africa’s First Female President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stands as a towering figure in global leadership, renowned for her unwavering commitment to democracy, gender equality, and economic development. Born on October 29, 1938, in Monrovia, Liberia, Sirleaf’s journey is marked by resilience, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress.

As the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa, Sirleaf shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for countless women worldwide. Her presidency, spanning from 2006 to 2018, transformed Liberia, steering the nation through tumultuous times towards stability and growth.

Prior to her presidency, Sirleaf held various roles, including Minister of Finance and the first woman to serve as Vice President of the African Regional Office of the World Bank. These experiences equipped her with a deep understanding of economic policy and development strategies, which she leveraged to uplift her nation.

Sirleaf’s leadership during Liberia’s post-war recovery earned her global acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, making her the first African woman to receive this prestigious honor. Her relentless efforts in promoting peace, reconciliation, and social justice have left an indelible mark on the world stage.

Beyond her political endeavors, Sirleaf remains a staunch advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She believes in the transformative power of education and has been a vocal champion for girls’ access to quality education, recognizing it as a cornerstone for societal progress.

In her post-presidency years, Sirleaf continues to be a beacon of hope, lending her voice to various international initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development, peacebuilding, and good governance across the globe.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s legacy transcends borders, inspiring generations to come and reminding us all of the profound impact one individual can make in shaping a brighter future for humanity.

Here’s why we consider her a woman giant;

• She studied Economics and Business Administration in the United States and gained an MSc in Public Administration from Harvard. In 1971, Ms Sirleaf entered the service of the Liberian government. She served as Assistant Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert from 1971-1974 and as Finance Minister under Samuel K. Doe’s military regime from 1980-1985. Her financial integrity put her at odds with both Tolbert and Doe during her tenure.

• During Doe’s dictatorship, she was imprisoned twice. She openly criticised his military rule while campaigning for a seat at the Senate in 1985, this led to her 10-year jail sentence of which she was released earlier and exiled from the country.

• During her 12 year exile, while Liberia fell into a Civil War, Ms Sirleaf advanced her Economist career working with the World Bank, Citibank and other financial institutions. She served as the director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme from 1992 to 1997.

• In 1997, after Liberia came to a truce, Mr Sirleaf returned home to run for the presidency where she finished second to Charles Taylor. She was forced back again into exile after his government charged her with treason.

• In 2003, after Charles Taylor went on exile and his government came to an end, Sirleaf returned to Liberia to chair the Commission On Good Governance which conducted the country’s preparation for democratic elections.

• In 2005, she ran for president again, with a mandate to put an end to civil unrest and corruption the country faced, and restore unity and economic stability. On November 8th, she won the run-off elections and was sworn in on January 16th, 2006 as the President of Liberia, making her the first elected female Head of State in Africa.

• Under Sirleaf, Liberia’s economy grew until the country faced setbacks due to the Ebola crisis in 2014. She strived to recover the country’s losses until she stepped down in 2018.

• Sirleaf is truly phenomenal and inspirational, a woman who faced dictators head-on and steered Liberia in the right direction after devastating years of civil unrest. She was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 and the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2018.