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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Afrika's Iron Lady

  • MJKG
  • Oct 7, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 28, 2024



"Increasingly there is recognition that full gender equity will ensure a stronger economy, a more developed nation, a more peaceful nation. And that is why we must continue to work…".

 

Full gender equity, not half.

 

The equality Mrs. Sirleaf advocates isn't about tipping the scales of power from one gender to another. 

 

It's about levelling the playing field, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities and the freedom to pursue or decline them. It's about feeling content with your achievements without being pressured to accept less than you deserve. It's about having a voice in shaping a peaceful nation, regardless of physical attributes or societal expectations of women. This is the essence of the equity Sirleaf advocates for.

 

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as Africa's first elected female head of state, serving as President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Her tenure was marked by both triumphs and trials, testing her resilience and leadership.

 

One of her greatest challenges came in 2014 when Ebola swept through Liberia with devastating force. This lethal virus, causing severe haemorrhagic fever, turned the human body against itself. Ebola's insidious nature meant that even the most basic human interactions - a comforting touch, a loving embrace - could become conduits for infection. The nation trembled in fear, but Sirleaf stood firm.

 

As the death toll mounted and the economy faltered, Sirleaf refused to abandon her post. She rallied international support, coordinated medical interventions, and guided her nation through its darkest hours. Schools shuttered, businesses floundered, and unemployment soared, but under Sirleaf's steadfast leadership, Liberia gradually turned the tide against Ebola.

 

Yet, her presidency wasn't without controversy. Her reputation was tarnished when her son, Charles Sirleaf, faced allegations of financial misconduct. He was accused of unauthorized printing of Liberian currency worth US$75 million, with implications of embezzlement. Rumors swirled that Sirleaf had intervened to shield him from prosecution, sparking public outrage and disappointment. We would never really know.

 

Despite these setbacks, Sirleaf's legacy includes visionary policies that continue to shape Liberia's future. Her flagship initiative, the Economic Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women, shows her commitment to education and female empowerment. 

This program equipped young women with vital job skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. Today, its ripple effects are visible across Liberia, with women running businesses, excelling in professional roles, and emerging as leaders in various sectors. 


The hard-working situations on Women was a long-standing effect of the civil war in Liberia. A Young girl said, "I had to have three boyfriends at the same time to get money because I had zero means of getting money to survive and feed my children."[2] That's what Sirleaf is changing. The mindset and opportunities of these beautiful young ladies.

 

This forward-thinking approach underscores Sirleaf's strategic vision. By investing in women's education and economic participation, she laid the groundwork for Liberia's long-term development. It's a testament to her belief that empowering women strengthens the entire nation. This enduring impact cements Sirleaf's status as an inspirational leader, not just in Liberia, but on the global stage. She's a mentor worthy of Praise, at least in my opinion.


~ Maryam J-K Gadzama, Chief Editor 24/25 Committee



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