10 facts about Africa's first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

1. Africa’s first female president: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history in 2006 as the first woman elected president of an African nation, serving as Liberia’s president for two terms from 2006 to 2018.

2. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate: In 2011, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman for their non-violent struggle for women’s rights and peacebuilding in Liberia.

3. Education: Sirleaf studied economics at the College of West Africa in Liberia before attending Harvard University, where she earned a Master of Public Administration degree.

4. Survived Political Persecution: During Liberia’s political instability under military rule, Sirleaf was imprisoned on two occasions for speaking out against the regime of then-president Samuel Doe.

5. International Career: Before becoming president, she held various high-profile positions, including working at the United Nations, the World Bank, and as Liberia’s Minister of Finance.

6. Champion of Women’s Rights: Sirleaf has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, urging women to participate in leadership and decision-making processes across the continent.

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7. Economic Reforms: Under her leadership, Liberia’s external debt was significantly reduced, and she implemented reforms aimed at rebuilding Liberia’s economy after years of civil war.

8. Rebuilding Liberia Post-Civil War: As president, she played a crucial role in stabilizing Liberia after years of civil conflict, rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and promoting peace.

9. Health Crisis Leadership: Sirleaf navigated the Ebola crisis in Liberia in 2014, demonstrating strong leadership in mobilizing national and international resources to fight the epidemic.

10. Continued Global Influence: Even after leaving office, emains an influential figure globally, serving on various international boards and as a speaker on issues such as democracy, women’s rights, and African development.