Profession: Africa's 1st Elected Female Head of State
Biography: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician recognized as the first elected female head of state in Africa, serving as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Her presidency marked significant steps towards peace and rebuilding in Liberia after years of civil unrest and conflict.
Sirleaf initially pursued higher education, culminating in a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. She later served in various financial roles within the Liberian government and developed a reputation as a talented economist in the international financial community.
Sirleaf faced imprisonment in 1985 due to her criticism of Samuel Doe’s military regime and was forced into exile after running unsuccessfully against warlord Charles Taylor in the 1997 presidential election. In a turning point for the nation, she was elected president in 2005, and won a second term in 2011. During her time in office, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting peace and women’s rights.
The daughter of Jahmale Carney Johnson, a member of the national legislature, and a Kru-German mother raised by an Americo-Liberian family, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had a diverse upbringing. After an early marriage which ended due to her husband's abusive behavior, she focused on her academic and professional growth.
As president, Johnson Sirleaf took a strong stance on debt relief, obtaining significant debt cancellations for Liberia. She was determined to root out corruption, founding the Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission. Her government made strides in enhancing freedom of information and founded a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Born: October 29, 1938
Birthplace: Monrovia, Liberia
Age: 85 years old
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Scorpio
Historical Events
- 2005-11-08 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is elected president of Liberia, the first woman to lead an African country
- 2006-01-16 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is sworn in as Liberia's new president. She becomes Africa's first female elected head of state.
References
Famous Liberians
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sLrToaCsnJGue6S7zGinnqegobJwsculnKdlmqS1r7%2FOp2SsoaKhsqKy