Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Biography

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She was Africa’s first elected female head of state and was famously dubbed the "Iron Lady of Africa." An economist by training, she assumed office in 2006, as the first democratically elected female president in postcolonial Africa. Previously, she had run for the posts of senator, vice president, and president in Liberia and consistently raised her voice against the unjust rule of military regimes. She spent much of her political career in exile, striving to increase international awareness about the chaos and violence consuming her country. Throughout her career, Sirleaf demonstrated a passionate commitment to good governance, advocating for women's rights and the importance of education to provide a better future for Liberia and its people. Upon becoming president, she made considerable progress, notably in securing significant relief from Liberia's crushing foreign debt. She also worked tirelessly toward the empowerment of African women, who have long borne the brunt of violence, instability, and poverty on the continent. Sirleaf personified Liberia's ability to recover from the long nightmare of civil war and was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, for her sincere efforts. She revived national hope by strengthening institutions of national security, leading the revitalization of the national economy, and restoring Liberia’s international reputation and credibility.