Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, 69, became Africa's first female elected head of state when Liberians elected her as their president in 2005. A Harvard-educated economist, Johnson-Sirleaf came to power, bolstered by her loyal supporters who carried "Ellen! She's Our Man!" posters during the close elections.
Johnson-Sirleaf's criticism of Liberia's former military regime led to her imprisonment twice in the 1980s. She fled Liberia two times, gaining international-finance experience while in exile. To find out about this amazing woman, read more.
Among her supporters, Johnson-Sirleaf finds educated Liberians as well as members of the old elite descended from freed American slaves who founded Liberia — "land of the free." According to Johnson-Sirleaf, she pursued the presidency "to bring motherly sensitivity and emotion to the presidency"
Laura Bush had this to write about Johnson-Sirleaf in Time:
Johnson-Sirleaf's courage and commitment to her country are an inspiration to me and women around the world.
I agree with Laura. Johnson-Sirleaf is truly inspiring!
Torrini
Paula Page
Chilli Pepper
This lady is just awesome! I heard about her right after she was elected and she was on Oprah and the whole talk-show circuit. She's an inspiration to women everywhere, not just in Africa! What a great role model. Go Ellen! ^___^
1I ADMIRE ELLEN, MICHELLE BACHELET AND ANGELA MERKEL!! These women are so inspiring and I love that Ellen is definitely making a difference in her country.
2She is an inspirational speaker as well, I heard her in Charlotte, NC last year at a Women's Summit type of thing and she really made you want to go out and make a difference. If she can do it (in really hard circumstances) anyone can!
3Are there any books or online articles about her that would describe her history in a very detailed way? I am really interested in learning more! She sounds incredibly couragous and noble so far!
4Isn't Liberia totally screwed up right now? Is she actually doing anything over there? I'm not being mean or anything..I'm just curious.
5Allilee after a vicious civil conflict it is still messed up but she is changing liberia slowly but surely, electricity returned after i think more than a decade, she's doing what she can to improve lives there which in a continent full of failed promises and dictators is very commendable, it truly takes a woman to turn a nation around.
6I'm Liberian, and our people couldn't respect and trust her more. She changed everything for us.
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