Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
- Born: October 29, 1938, Monrovia, Liberia
- Died: August 8, 2021, Monrovia, Liberia
- Occupation: Politician
- Title: President of Liberia (2006-2018)
- Nationality: Liberian
- Political party: Unity Party
Biography
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was a Liberian politician who served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She was the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa.
Sirleaf was born in Monrovia, Liberia, on October 29, 1938. She studied economics at the University of Colorado Boulder and Harvard University. After working in the Liberian government and at the United Nations, she was elected to the Liberian Senate in 1985.
In 1997, Sirleaf ran for president but was defeated by Charles Taylor. She went into exile in the United States and worked as a consultant for the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.
In 2005, Sirleaf returned to Liberia and ran for president again. She won the election and became the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa.
As president, Sirleaf focused on rebuilding Liberia after two civil wars. She implemented economic reforms, improved infrastructure, and promoted reconciliation and peace. She also worked to empower women and girls.
In 2011, Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in Liberia. She was praised for her efforts to rebuild the country and promote peace and democracy.
Sirleaf stepped down as president in 2018 after serving two terms. She was succeeded by George Weah.
Sirleaf died in Monrovia, Liberia, on August 8, 2021, at the age of 88.
Legacy
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is remembered as a strong and courageous leader who helped to rebuild Liberia after two civil wars. She was the first woman to be elected head of state in Africa, and her work to empower women and girls was groundbreaking. Sirleaf was a role model for women around the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
