Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female President and a prominent figure in African politics, is commemorating her 86th birthday on October 29, 2024, in a celebration that coincides with the African Women Leadership Network (AWLN) conference. Among the notable attendees is former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, along with influential women from across the continent, aiming to highlight Sirleaf’s significant contributions to society. The AWLN gathering runs from October 27 to 29, 2025, and is centered on the themes of co-leadership and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of women in shaping Africa’s future.
Born Ellen Eugenia Johnson in Monrovia on October 29, 1938, Sirleaf’s journey began in Liberia, where she received her early education before advancing her studies in the United States. Her academic path comprised learning at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, which equipped her with the skills that would later serve her in public service roles. From her time as Deputy Minister of Finance under President William Tolbert to her rise as Liberia’s Minister of Finance, Sirleaf demonstrated notable leadership qualities early in her career. Her political path faced numerous challenges, particularly during and after the 1980 coup that led to her exile.
Sirleaf’s persistent drive led her to return to Liberia and engage in the political process again in the mid-1980s. After enduring arrests and political setbacks, she eventually ran for president in 2005 and won, making history as Africa’s first elected female head of state. Her leadership was characterized not only by democratic governance but also by her efforts to foster peace in a nation scarred by civil war. During her presidency from 2006 to 2018, she was instrumental in rebuilding Liberia’s infrastructure and institutions, which had been devastated by years of conflict. Her election was a pivotal moment in African history, symbolizing the growing empowerment of women in leadership positions.
Sirleaf’s accolades extend beyond her electoral victories; she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her commitment to women’s rights and for promoting peace in Liberia. This recognition placed her in the global spotlight, illustrating the deep connections between leadership and gender equality. Apart from the peace prize, she has received numerous honors for her commitment to governance and human rights, further solidifying her role as a respected leader.
In 2016, Sirleaf continued her influence in regional politics by becoming the first female Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This achievement underscored her continuing authority and capability in governance amidst a backdrop of male-dominated leadership in African politics. Her election as ECOWAS Chair also reinforced the narrative of women’s leadership in the region, challenging traditional norms and inspiring a new generation of female leaders.
The current AWLN summit, themed “Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in a Beijing+30 Era: Paving the Way for a Sustainable and Equitable Society,” serves to enlighten emerging women leaders with guidance from seasoned pioneers such as Sirleaf. This reflects a crucial aspect of leadership—that it involves nurturing and empowering others to take the reins of leadership in the future. Sirleaf’s ongoing contributions through mentorship and advocacy remind us of the profound impact that perseverance and leadership can have in transforming societies and empowering future generations of women leaders across Africa.
