Early Life and Education
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was born on October 29, 1938, in Monrovia, Liberia. She grew up in a politically active family; her grandfather served as a tribal chief, and her father was a member of the Liberian legislature. She attended local schools before moving abroad for higher education. Sirleaf earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and later completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Early Career
Before entering politics, Sirleaf worked for the Liberian government as a budget officer and economist. She also held important international roles, including positions at the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Liberian Ministry of Finance. During Liberia’s turbulent years under military rule, she became an outspoken critic of corruption and authoritarianism, which led to periods of exile.
Presidency
In 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as Liberia’s president, becoming Africa’s first elected female head of state. Her election marked a new era for Liberia, which had been devastated by two civil wars. During her presidency (2006–2018), Sirleaf focused on rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, stabilizing the economy, fighting corruption, and improving education and healthcare. She also championed women’s rights and increased female participation in government.
Nobel Peace Prize and International Recognition
In 2011, Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman. The prize recognized their nonviolent struggle to secure women’s safety and promote peacebuilding in Liberia and the wider region. Sirleaf’s leadership gained her global respect, and she became a symbol of hope and resilience in post-conflict recovery.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving office in 2018, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has continued advocating for democracy, good governance, and women’s empowerment worldwide. She remains an influential figure in African and global politics, inspiring future generations to pursue leadership and social justice
