Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, born on October 29, 1938, is a Liberian politician and economist who served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She made history as the first woman to be elected as a head of state in Africa.
Before her presidency, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. She held various positions in the Liberian government, including Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She also worked at various financial institutions, including the World Bank and Citibank.
In 1997, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ran for the presidency of Liberia but was defeated by Charles Taylor. Following Taylor’s ousting in 2003 and the subsequent transitional government, she ran for president again in 2005 and won the election, becoming Liberia’s first female president.
As president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding a war-torn country, reviving the economy, and tackling corruption. She implemented various reforms aimed at promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability. Under her leadership, Liberia experienced significant economic growth, and she was credited with restoring stability and peace to the country after years of civil war.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s tenure as president was marked by several notable achievements. She focused on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. She implemented policies to improve access to education and healthcare services, particularly for women and children. She also played a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases in Liberia.
In 2011, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace, democracy, and gender equality in Liberia and West Africa. She was recognized for her role in leading Liberia through a peaceful democratic transition and for her advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.
After serving two terms as president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stepped down in 2018, following the presidential elections won by George Weah. Throughout her career, she has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and a symbol of hope for many in Liberia and beyond. Her legacy as Liberia’s first female president and her contributions to peace, democracy, and development continue to inspire people around the world.
