Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, born on October 29, 1938, in Monrovia, Liberia, is a prominent Liberian politician and economist who became the first female head of state in Africa. She was born to a mixed heritage family; her father was Gola and her mother had German and Kru ancestry. Sirleaf’s upbringing was relatively privileged, which allowed her to receive a solid education in Monrovia before pursuing further studies in the United States.

In the 1960s, she studied at Madison Business College and the University of Colorado, eventually earning a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1971. Sirleaf’s early career was marked by her work in Liberia’s government, where she held various positions, including Assistant Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert. However, her advocacy for transparency and against corruption soon placed her at odds with the government, leading to her exile after the 1980 coup that brought Samuel Doe to power.

During her time in exile, Sirleaf worked for several international financial institutions, including the World Bank and Citibank. She also served as the Director of the United Nations Development Programme's Regional Bureau for Africa. Her international career provided her with significant experience in economic development and governance, further strengthening her resolve to contribute to Liberia’s recovery.

Returning to Liberia in the late 1980s, Sirleaf became increasingly involved in politics, although her opposition to Doe’s regime again forced her into exile. She returned in 1997 to run for president but lost to Charles Taylor in an election marred by violence and allegations of fraud. Sirleaf continued her advocacy for peace and democracy, becoming a key figure in the efforts to end Liberia’s civil war.

In 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history when she was elected President of Liberia, defeating George Weah in a runoff election. Her victory was seen as a significant milestone for women in Africa. As president, Sirleaf inherited a country devastated by years of civil war and faced the immense challenges of rebuilding Liberia’s economy, infrastructure, and social fabric.

During her presidency, Sirleaf focused on economic recovery, attracting foreign investment, and reducing Liberia’s substantial debt. She also prioritized education and health care, working to rebuild these sectors that had been severely damaged during the war. Her administration was marked by efforts to strengthen institutions and promote good governance, though it also faced criticism for alleged corruption and nepotism.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was re-elected in 2011, during a period when Liberia was still recovering from its conflict. In the same year, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman, for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work. This recognition solidified her international standing as a symbol of peace and women’s empowerment.

Sirleaf’s presidency ended in 2018, and she was succeeded by George Weah. Post-presidency, Sirleaf has continued to be active in international affairs, focusing on issues of women’s leadership and democratic governance. Her legacy is one of resilience and dedication to her country’s recovery and progress, although her tenure also faced significant challenges and criticisms.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson_Sirleaf