Johnson-Sirleaf, Ellen

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[[Image:Ellen_Johnson-Sirleaf3.jpg|thumb|Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.]]
 
[[Image:Ellen_Johnson-Sirleaf3.jpg|thumb|Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.]]
  
'''Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf''' (born October 29, 1938) is the current [[President of Liberia|President]] of [[Liberia]], Africa's first elected female head of state and Liberia's first elected female president. She was elected as the 23rd President in the [[Liberian general election, 2005|2005 presidential election]] and took office in January 2006. Referred to as the "Iron Lady," this is an intended comparison with [[Great Britain]]'s first woman Prime Minister, [[Margaret Thatcher]].<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/liberia/sirleaf.htmlEllen Johnson-Sirleaf: Liberia's "Iron Lady."] CBC News In-depth, March 28 2006. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref> For anyone to become head of their state is a significant achievement, regardless of their gender. However, few women have been elected to comparable office elsewhere in the world, so as the first ever women head of a modern African state, Johnson-Sirleaf has assured herself a place in [[history]]. She was Minister of Finance 1972-3 then a senior official with Citibank in Nairobi (1883-85) then as an Assistant General-Secretary of the [[United Nations]], working with the [[United Nations Development Program|Development Program]] (1992-1997). She came to office promising peace and stability after fourteen years of war, violence and civil strife. Her own life tells a story of personal courage, including imprisonment and exile. Her success in the private sphere means that she could have remained outside of politics. However, she has chosen public service because she believes that her skills, especially in the [[economics|economic]] field, equip her for leadership. She was also convinced that in a nation ravaged by a war largely waged be men, a woman might help to heal the people's wounds. She is an advocate of women's role in peacemaking, arguing that women bring a particular sensitivity to peace negotiations, and should be represented by right. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor from the [[United States]], where she attended University. FORBES ranks her 51 on the list of the 100 most powerful women in the world.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/11/06women_Ellen-Johnson-Sirleaf_BMW8.html Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.] FORBES. 08. 31.06. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
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'''Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf''' (October 29, 1938 - ) is the current President of [[Liberia]], [[Africa]]'s first elected female head of state and Liberia's first elected female president. She was elected as the 23rd President in the 2005 presidential election, taking office in January 2006. Referred to as the "Iron Lady," this is an intended comparison with [[Great Britain]]'s first woman Prime Minister, [[Margaret Thatcher]].<ref>CBC News In-depth, [http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/liberia/sirleaf.html Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: Liberia's Iron Lady.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref> For anyone to become head of their state is a significant achievement, regardless of their gender. However, few women have been elected to comparable office elsewhere in the world, so as the first ever women head of a modern African state, Johnson-Sirleaf has assured herself a place in [[history]]. She was Minister of Finance 1972-3, then a senior official with Citibank in Nairobi (1883-85), then she was an Assistant General-Secretary of the [[United Nations]], working with the [[United Nations Development Program|Development Program]]'s African office (1992-1997).  
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She came to office promising peace and stability after fourteen years of war, violence, and civil strife. Her own life tells a story of personal courage, including imprisonment and exile. Her success in the private sphere means that she could have remained outside of politics. However, she has chosen public service because she believes that her skills, especially in the [[economics|economic]] field, equip her for leadership. She was also convinced that in a nation ravaged by a war largely waged be men, a woman might help to heal the people's wounds. She is an advocate of women's role in peacemaking, arguing that women bring a particular sensitivity to peace negotiations, and should be represented by right. She has received the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], the highest civilian honor from the [[United States]], where she attended University. ''FORBES'' ranks her 51st on the list of the 100 most powerful women in the world.<ref>''Forbes,'' [http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/11/06women_Ellen-Johnson-Sirleaf_BMW8.html Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
  
==Biography==
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==Life==
Her grandfather was a [[Germany|German]] who married a rural market woman. The grandfather was forced to leave the country during the war in 1917.
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Ellen's grandfather was a [[Germany|German]] who married a rural market woman. The grandfather was forced to leave the country during the war in 1917.
  
Two of Johnson-Sirleaf's grandparents were [[indigenous peoples of Africa|indigenous]] Liberians. Her father, the son of the [[Gola]] Chief Jahmalae and Jenneh, one of his many wives, was born in Julejuah, [[Bomi County]]. As a result of her grandfather's friendship and loyalty to President [[Hilary Richard Wright Johnson]] and on the advice of the President, her father was brought to, his name changed to Johnson and he was given to the settler family, McCritty.
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Two of Johnson-Sirleaf's grandparents were [[indigenous peoples of Africa|indigenous]] Liberians. Her father, the son of the [[Gola]] Chief Jahmalae and Jenneh, one of his many wives, was born in Julejuah, [[Bomi County]]. As a result of her grandfather's friendship and loyalty to President [[Hilary Richard Wright Johnson]], and on the advice of the President, her father was brought to the capital, his name changed to Johnson, and he was given to the settler family, McCritty.
  
Johnson-Sirleaf graduated from the [[College of West Africa]] (Monrovia), a United Methodist high school. She received a [[Bachelor of Science]] in Accounting at the [[University of Wisconsin]] in [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], [[Wisconsin]], [[United States|U.S.]] in 1964, an economics diploma from the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]] in 1970, and a [[Master of Public Administration]] from [[Harvard University]] in 1971. She is a member of [[Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority]], Incorporated <ref>[http://aka1908.com/news/sirleaf/ Johnson-Sirleaf Inaugurated as Liberian President] Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>, a social action organization and the first collegiate sorority founded by and for Black women (1908).
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Johnson-Sirleaf graduated from the [[College of West Africa]] (Monrovia), a United Methodist high school. She received a [[Bachelor of Science]] in Accounting at the [[University of Wisconsin]] in [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], [[Wisconsin]], [[United States|U.S.]], in 1964, an economics diploma from the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]] in 1970, and a [[Master of Public Administration]] from [[Harvard University]] in 1971. She is a member of [[Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority]], Incorporated,<ref>Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., [http://aka1908.com/news/sirleaf/ Johnson-Sirleaf Inaugurated as Liberian President.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref> a social action organization and the first collegiate sorority founded by and for Black women (1908).
  
On 5 November 2007, President [[George W. Bush]] awarded Johnson-Sirleaf the [[Medal of Freedom]], the highest civilian award given by the United States.
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On November 5, 2007, President [[George W. Bush]] awarded Johnson-Sirleaf the [[Medal of Freedom]], the highest civilian award given by the United States.
  
 
===Personal life===
 
===Personal life===
Johnson-Sirleaf is the mother of four sons (two live in the [[United States]] and two live in Liberia) and has eight grandchildren. Some of her grandchildren live in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], [[Florida]] and [[London]]. She is also [[married]] and also [[divorced]].
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Johnson-Sirleaf is the mother of four sons (two live in the [[United States]] and two live in Liberia) and has eight grandchildren. Some of her grandchildren live in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], [[Florida]], and [[London]]. She is also [[married]] and also [[divorced]].
  
 
==Early career==
 
==Early career==
Returning to Liberia after Harvard, Johnson-Sirleaf became Assistant Minister of Finance in President [[William R. Tolbert, Jr.|William Tolbert]]'s administration (1972-3). In 1980, Tolbert was overthrown and killed by army sergeant [[Samuel Doe]], ending decades of relative stability. Doe was a member of the [[Krahn]] ethnic group and was the first Liberian president not to be descended from the elite ex-American slave community. For the next ten years, Doe allowed the Krahn people to dominate public life. She was placed under house arrest in 1985 for criticizing the regime, and has been imprisoned on several occasions.  
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Returning to Liberia after Harvard, Johnson-Sirleaf became Assistant Minister of Finance in President [[William R. Tolbert, Jr.|William Tolbert]]'s administration (1972-3). In 1980, Tolbert was overthrown and killed by army sergeant [[Samuel Doe]], ending decades of relative stability. Doe was a member of the [[Krahn]] ethnic group and was the first Liberian president not to be descended from the elite ex-American slave community. For the next ten years, Doe allowed the Krahn people to dominate public life. She was placed under house arrest in 1985, for criticizing the regime, and has been imprisoned on several occasions.  
  
After the overthrow of Tolbert, Johnson-Sirleaf went into exile in [[Nairobi, Kenya]], where she worked for [[Citibank]]. She returned to run for [[Senate of Liberia|Senate]] in 1985, but when she spoke out against Doe's [[People's Redemption Council|military regime]], she was sentenced to ten years in prison. Released after a short period, she moved to [[Washington, D.C.]]. She returned to Liberia again in 1997 in the capacity of an [[economics|economist]], working for the [[World Bank]], and Citibank in Africa. From 1992-1997 she worked for the UNDP with the equivalent rank of an Assistant Secretary-General of the [[United Nations]]
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After the overthrow of Tolbert, Johnson-Sirleaf went into exile in [[Nairobi, Kenya]], where she worked for [[Citibank]]. She returned to run for [[Senate of Liberia|Senate]] in 1985, but when she spoke out against Doe's [[People's Redemption Council|military regime]], she was sentenced to ten years in prison. Released after a short period, she moved to [[Washington, D.C.]] She returned to Liberia again, in 1997, in the capacity of an [[economics|economist]], working for the [[World Bank]], and Citibank in Africa. From 1992-1997, she worked for the UNDP with the equivalent rank of an Assistant Secretary-General of the [[United Nations]].
  
Initially supporting [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]]'s bloody rebellion against President Samuel Doe in 1990, she later went on to oppose him, and ran against him in the [[Liberian elections, 1997|1997 presidential election]]. She managed only 10% of the votes, as opposed to Taylor's 75%. Taylor charged her with [[treason]]. She campaigned for the removal of President Taylor from office, playing an active and supportive role in the transitional government, as the country prepared itself for the 2005 election. With Taylor's departure, she returned to take over the leadership of the [[Unity Party (Liberia)|Unity Party]].
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Initially supporting [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]]'s bloody rebellion against President Samuel Doe in 1990, she later went on to oppose him, and ran against him in the [[Liberian elections, 1997|1997 presidential election]]. She managed only 10 percent of the votes, as opposed to Taylor's 75 percent. Taylor charged her with [[treason]]. She campaigned for the removal of President Taylor from office, playing an active and supportive role in the transitional government, as the country prepared itself for the 2005 election. With Taylor's departure, she returned to take over the leadership of the [[Unity Party (Liberia)|Unity Party]].
  
In 1999, she was one of seven "eminent persons" nominated by the [[Organization of African Unity]] to investigate the [[Rwandan Genocide.]]
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In 1999, she was one of seven "eminent persons" nominated by the [[Organization of African Unity]] to investigate the [[Rwandan Genocide]].
  
 
==Presidency==
 
==Presidency==
During the election campaign, the grandmother figure was often dwarfed by her party officials and bodyguards. One veteran of Liberia's political scene said Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf's nickname comes from her iron will and determination.
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During the election campaign, the grandmother figure was often dwarfed by her party officials and bodyguards. One veteran of Liberia's political scene said Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf's nickname comes from her iron will and determination.
  
<blockquote> "It would have been much easier for her to quit politics and sit at home like others have done but she has never given up,"<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4395978.stm Profile: Liberia's "Iron Lady."] BBC November 23 2005. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref> </blockquote>  
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<blockquote>It would have been much easier for her to quit politics and sit at home like others have done but she has never given up.<ref>BBC, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4395978.stm Profile: Liberia's "Iron Lady."] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref> </blockquote>  
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She stressed that if elected she would combat corruption and work for national reconciliation and that she would include her opponent in her government. She argued that as a woman who had played no role in the war she could help to heal the wounds of war, bringing motherly "sensitivity and emotion to the Presidency." Although much of her support came from women, she also attracted men who agreed that it might be time to give a woman a chance, as one male voter said, "We need a woman to out things right."<ref>Hoogensen and Solheim, p. 59.</ref> She promised to reform the land tenure system, a source of dispute between different ethnic groups.
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In the first round of 2005 voting, she came second, with 175,520 votes, putting her through to the runoff vote on November 8, against former soccer player [[George Weah]]. On November 11, the National Elections Commission of Liberia declared Johnson-Sirleaf to be president-elect of Liberia. On November 23, they confirmed their decision, saying that Johnson-Sirleaf had won with a margin of almost 20 percent of the vote. Independent, international, regional, and domestic observers declared the vote to be free, fair, and transparent.<ref>Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 58.</ref> Her supporters say she has two advantages over the man she faced in the run-off: She was better educated and a woman.<ref>Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 58.</ref> She also promised to "encourage woman across Africa to seek high political office."<ref>Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 59.</ref> Her inauguration took place on January 16, 2006; foreign attendees of the ceremony included [[Condoleezza Rice]], [[Laura Bush]], and [[Michaëlle Jean]].
  
She stressed that if elected she would combat corruption and work for national reconciliation and that she would include her opponent in her government.  She argues that as a woman who had played no role in the war she could help to heal the wounds of war, bringing motherly "sensitivity and emotion to the Presidency."  Although much of her support came from women, she also attracted men who agreed that it might be time to give a woman a chance, as one male voter said, "We need a woman to out things right."<ref>Hoogensen and Solheim. pg 59.</ref>. She promised to reform the land tenure system, a source of dispute between different ethnic groups.
 
In the first round of 2005 voting, she came second with 175,520 votes, putting her through to the runoff vote on November 8 against former soccer player [[George Weah]]. On November 11, the National Elections Commission of Liberia declared Johnson-Sirleaf to be president-elect of Liberia. On November 23, they confirmed their decision saying that Johnson-Sirleaf had won with a margin of almost 20% of the vote. Independent, international, regional, and domestic observers declared the vote to be free, fair, and transparent.<ref>ibid pg. 58 although the Carter Center reported some minor irregularities.</ref>  Her supporters say she has two advantages over the man she faced in the run-off - former football star George Weah - she is better educated and is a woman.<ref>ibid. pg. 58. </ref> She also promised to "encourage woman across Africa to seek high political office." <ref>ibid, pg 59.</ref>Her inauguration took place on January 16, 2006; foreign attendees of the ceremony included [[Condoleezza Rice]], [[Laura Bush]] and [[Michaëlle Jean]].
 
 
[[Image:Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf2.JPG|left|thumb|250px|US Ambassador [[Donald E. Booth]] and Liberia's then–president-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.]]
 
[[Image:Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf2.JPG|left|thumb|250px|US Ambassador [[Donald E. Booth]] and Liberia's then–president-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.]]
  
 
She began her inaugural address with a period of silent commemoration for those who died in the civil war, then promised change:
 
She began her inaugural address with a period of silent commemoration for those who died in the civil war, then promised change:
  
:This occasion, held under the cloudy skies, marks a celebration of change and a dedication to an agenda for a socio-economic and political reordering; indeed, a national renewal.
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<blockquote>This occasion, held under the cloudy skies, marks a celebration of change and a dedication to an agenda for a socio-economic and political reordering; indeed, a national renewal.
  
 
Today, we wholeheartedly embrace this change. We recognize that this change is not change for change sake, but a fundamental break with the past, thereby requiring that we take bold and decisive steps to address the problems that for decades have stunted our progress, undermined national unity, and kept old and new cleavages in ferment.
 
Today, we wholeheartedly embrace this change. We recognize that this change is not change for change sake, but a fundamental break with the past, thereby requiring that we take bold and decisive steps to address the problems that for decades have stunted our progress, undermined national unity, and kept old and new cleavages in ferment.
  
As we embrace this new commitment to change, it is befitting that, for the first time, the inauguration is being held on the Capitol Grounds, one of the three seats of Government. We pledge anew our commitment to transparency, open government, and participatory democracy for all of our citizens.<ref>Johnson-Sirleaf, Ellen. 2007. [http://allafrica.com/stories/200601170106.html"Liberia: Text of Inaugural Address by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.] All Africa, January 17. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
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As we embrace this new commitment to change, it is befitting that, for the first time, the inauguration is being held on the Capitol Grounds, one of the three seats of Government. We pledge anew our commitment to transparency, open government, and participatory democracy for all of our citizens.<ref>Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, [http://allafrica.com/stories/200601170106.html Liberia: Text of Inaugural Address by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf,] All Africa. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref></blockquote>
  
On March 15, 2006, President Johnson-Sirleaf addressed a joint meeting of the [[United States Congress]], asking for American support to help her country “become a brilliant beacon, an example to Africa and the world of what love of liberty can achieve.” <ref>[http://allafrica.com/stories/200603150786.html Liberia: President Sirleaf Thanks U.S. Congress, Asks for Continuing Support.] All Africa, March 15 2006. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
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On March 15, 2006, President Johnson-Sirleaf addressed a joint meeting of the [[United States Congress]], asking for American support to help her country “become a brilliant beacon, an example to Africa and the world of what love of liberty can achieve.”<ref>All Africa, [http://allafrica.com/stories/200603150786.html Liberia: President Sirleaf Thanks U.S. Congress, Asks for Continuing Support.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
  
Uncomfortably for Johnson-Sirleaf, former President [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]]'s followers remain in large numbers in Liberia's government. Taylor's estranged wife, [[Jewel Taylor|Jewel Howard Taylor]], is in the Senate. So is [[Prince Johnson]], whose gruesome torture and murder of President [[Samuel Doe]] in 1990 was captured on a widely-distributed videotape.  
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Uncomfortably for Johnson-Sirleaf, former President [[Charles Taylor (Liberia)|Charles Taylor]]'s followers remain, in large numbers, in Liberia's government. Taylor's estranged wife, [[Jewel Taylor|Jewel Howard Taylor]], is in the Senate. So is [[Prince Johnson]], whose gruesome torture and murder of President [[Samuel Doe]], in 1990, was captured on a widely-distributed videotape.  
  
She has made education of girls a priority. She has set up the Liberia Education Trust, with an ambitious school building and teacher training program. In June 2008 she established the 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue of the Women Peace and Security Network in Africa. [President Johnson Sirleaf Launches 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue] Government of the Republic of Liberia Executive Mansion, June 12 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
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She has made education of girls a priority. She has set up the Liberia Education Trust, with an ambitious school building and teacher training program. In June 2008, she established the 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue of the Women Peace and Security Network in Africa.<ref>Government of the Republic of Liberia Executive Mansion, [President Johnson Sirleaf Launches 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
  
===160 Years of Independence Celebration===
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===160 years of independence===
On July 26, 2007, President Sirleaf celebrated Liberia's 160th Independence Day under the theme "Liberia at 160: Reclaiming the future." She took an unprecedented and symbolic move by asking 25 year old Liberian activist [[Kimmie Weeks]] to serve as National Orator for the celebrations. Kimmie became Liberia's youngest National Orator in over a hundred years and delivered a powerful speech. He called for the government to prioritize education and health care. A few days later, President Sirleaf issued an Executive Order making education free and compulsory for all elementary school aged children.  
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On July 26, 2007, President Sirleaf celebrated Liberia's 160th Independence Day under the theme "Liberia at 160: Reclaiming the future." She took an unprecedented and symbolic move by asking 25 year old Liberian activist [[Kimmie Weeks]] to serve as National Orator for the celebrations. Kimmie became Liberia's youngest National Orator in over a hundred years and delivered a powerful speech. He called for the government to prioritize education and health care. A few days later, President Sirleaf issued an Executive Order making education free and compulsory for all elementary school aged children.  
  
 
==Positions==
 
==Positions==
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* 1986–1992: Vice president and member of the executive board of Equator Bank, [[Washington, D.C.]]  
 
* 1986–1992: Vice president and member of the executive board of Equator Bank, [[Washington, D.C.]]  
 
* 1988–1999: Member of board of directors of The Synergos Institute
 
* 1988–1999: Member of board of directors of The Synergos Institute
* 1992–1997: Director of the [[UN Development Programme]] Regional Bureau for Africa  
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* 1992–1997: Director of the [[UN Development Program]] Regional Bureau for Africa  
 
* 1997: Standard bearer of Unity Party
 
* 1997: Standard bearer of Unity Party
 
* 2004–2005: Chairperson of the [[Commission on Good Governance (Liberia)]]
 
* 2004–2005: Chairperson of the [[Commission on Good Governance (Liberia)]]
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==Miscellaneous information==
 
==Miscellaneous information==
*Johnson-Sirleaf is the second elected black woman head of state in the world and also second female leader of Liberia after [[Ruth Perry]] (who assumed leadership after an [[Coup d'état|overthrow]]), and the fifth such head of government after Empress [[Zewditu]] of Ethiopia, [[Eugenia Charles]] of [[Dominica]], [[Sylvie Kinigi]] of [[Burundi]] and [[Agathe Uwilingiyimana]] of [[Rwanda]].
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*Johnson-Sirleaf is the second elected black woman head of state in the world and also second female leader of Liberia, after [[Ruth Perry]] (who assumed leadership after an [[Coup d'état|overthrow]]), and the fifth such head of government after Empress [[Zewditu]] of Ethiopia, [[Eugenia Charles]] of [[Dominica]], [[Sylvie Kinigi]] of [[Burundi]], and [[Agathe Uwilingiyimana]] of [[Rwanda]].
  
* In 2006, ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine named her the 51st in the [[The World's 100 Most Powerful Women|most powerful women in the world]]. [http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/11/06women_Ellen-Johnson-Sirleaf_BMW8.html]
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* In 2006, ''[[Forbes]]'' magazine named her the 51st in the [[The World's 100 Most Powerful Women|most powerful woman in the world]].<ref>Forbes, [http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/11/06women_Ellen-Johnson-Sirleaf_BMW8.html Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.] Retrieved July 1, 2008.</ref>
  
* Johnson-Sirleaf is a member of The [[United Methodist Church]] attending First United Methodist Church of [[Monrovia]].
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* Johnson-Sirleaf is a member of The [[United Methodist Church]], attending First United Methodist Church of [[Monrovia]].
  
 
==Legacy==
 
==Legacy==
Although her record in office will be evaluated by what she achieves during her presidency, the fact that she is the first women head of a modern African state assures her place in history. Her commitment to democracy and to development earned nation's confidence. Her commitment to enabling more women to participate in peace making around the world is likely to be strengthened when pursued from the Executive Mansion. She has argued that women should be assured a place at peace talks through ensuring that a gender-balance is built into all international initiatives. Speaking about women's role in peace making, she says:
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Although her record in office will be evaluated by what she achieves during her presidency, the fact that she is the first women head of a modern African state assures her place in history. Her commitment to democracy and to development earned her nation's confidence. Her commitment to enabling more women to participate in peacemaking around the world is likely to be strengthened when pursued from the Executive Mansion. She has argued that women should be assured a place at peace talks through ensuring that a gender-balance is built into all international initiatives. Speaking about women's role in peace making, she says:
 
 
:Women are more concerned about people.... They are in the homes carrying the burden of the home and the family." From that experience, "women bring a sensibility, a sensitivity, to those things which bring peace."<ref>cited by Fleshman, Michael. 2003. [http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol16no4/164wm1.htm African Women Struggle for a Seat at the peace table.] ''Africa Recover''y, Vol.16 :4 (February ), page 1. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
 
 
 
  
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<blockquote>Women are more concerned about people…. They are in the homes carrying the burden of the home and the family. [From that experience,] women bring a sensibility, a sensitivity, to those things which bring peace.<ref>Michael Fleshman, [http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/afrec/vol16no4/164wm1.htm African Women Struggle for a Seat at the peace table,] ''Africa Recovery,'' 16:4:1. Retrieved June 18, 2008.</ref>
  
 
==Publications==
 
==Publications==
 
* 1991. ''From Disaster to Development.''  
 
* 1991. ''From Disaster to Development.''  
 
* 1992. ''The Outlook for Commercial Bank Lending to Sub-Saharan Africa.''  
 
* 1992. ''The Outlook for Commercial Bank Lending to Sub-Saharan Africa.''  
* 2002. Co-author: ''Women, War and Peace: The Independent Experts’ Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women’s Role in Peace-building.'') a project of UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women)
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* 2002. Co-author: ''Women, War and Peace: The Independent Experts’ Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women’s Role in Peace-building,'' a project of UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women)
  
 
==Awards==
 
==Awards==
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* 2006 Common Ground Award [http://www.sfcg.org]recipient
 
* 2006 Common Ground Award [http://www.sfcg.org]recipient
 
* 2006 Laureate of the Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger  
 
* 2006 Laureate of the Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger  
*2006 Distinguished Fellow, Claus M. Halle Institute for Global Learning, Emory University [http://www.oia.emory.edu/Halle/sub-distinguished.htm#]
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* 2006 Distinguished Fellow, Claus M. Halle Institute for Global Learning, Emory University  
 
* 2006 Awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws from Marquette University
 
* 2006 Awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws from Marquette University
 
* 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)  
 
* 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)  
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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<references/>
  
{{reflist}}
 
 
==References==
 
==References==
* Sutherland-Addy, Esi, and Aminata Diaw. 2005. ''Women writing Africa. West Africa and the Sahel''. The women writing Africa project, v. 2. New York: Feminist Press at the City University of New York.ISBN 9781558615014
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* Anderson, Jon Lee. Letter from Liberia, "After the Warlords." ''The New Yorker'', 2006.
* Anderson, Jon Lee Letter from Liberia, "After the Warlords," ''The New Yorker'', March 27, 2006. ISSN 0028-792
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* Hoogensen, Gunhild, and Bruce Olav Solheim. ''Women in Power: World Leaders since 1960''. Westport, CN: Praeger Publishers, 2006. ISBN 978-0275981907.
* Hoogensen, Gunhild, and Bruce Olav Solheim. 2006. ''Women in power: world leaders since 1960''. Westport, Conn: Praeger Publishers., ISBN 9780275981907
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* Lloyd, Robert. "Rebuilding the Liberian State—Can President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf overcome the effects of a brutal civil war that devastated her country and destabilized its neighbors? Liberians must hope so." ''Current History''. 105(691): 229. 2006.
* Lloyd, Robert. 2006. "Rebuilding the Liberian State - Can President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf overcome the effects of a brutal civil war that devastated her country and destabilized its neighbors? Liberians must hope so".'' Current History''. 105 (691): 229.ISSN 0011-3530
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* McCain, John, and Mark Salter. ''Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People who Made Them.'' New York: Twelve, 2007. ISBN 978-0446580403.
* McCain, John, and Mark Salter. 2007.'' Hard call: great decisions and the extraordinary people who made them.'' New York: Twelve. ISBN 9780446580403
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* Sutherland-Addy, Esi, and Aminata Diaw. ''Women Writing Africa. West Africa and the Sahel''. New York: Feminist Press at the City University of New York, 2005. ISBN 978-1558615014.
* "PERSONALITIES - President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia". 2006. ''Ebony''. 61 (6): 122. ISSN 0012-9011
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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All links retrieved September 13, 2017.
  
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* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/4395978.stm Profile: Liberia's 'Iron Lady'] on BBC News Online, 23 November 2005.
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*[http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/ironladies/ IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA]. Independent Lens on PBS.
  
* [http://explore.georgetown.edu/news/?ID=19235 Liberian President Speaks to Georgetown Community] October 17, 2006
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[[Category:Biography]]
* [http://www.usip.org/events/2006/0321_liberia.html Johnson-Sirleaf Speaks at U.S. Institute of Peace] March 21, 2006 (audio archive available)
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[[Category:Politicians and reformers]]
* [http://www.joinafrica.com/africa_of_the_week/ellenjohnsonliberia.htm Life Story of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf]
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[[Category:Living people]]
* Address to US Congress in Joint Session March 15, 2006 [http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=06052210238+4+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve TXT] [http://frwebgate4.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=06052210238+4+1+0&WAISaction=retrieve PDF]
 
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/africa/4395978.stm Profile: Liberia's 'Iron Lady'] on [[BBC News Online]], 23 November 2005
 
*[http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/ironladies/ IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA (] site for [[Independent Lens]] on [[PBS]]  
 
  
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Revision as of 11:08, 31 December 2021

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (October 29, 1938 - ) is the current President of Liberia, Africa's first elected female head of state and Liberia's first elected female president. She was elected as the 23rd President in the 2005 presidential election, taking office in January 2006. Referred to as the "Iron Lady," this is an intended comparison with Great Britain's first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.[1] For anyone to become head of their state is a significant achievement, regardless of their gender. However, few women have been elected to comparable office elsewhere in the world, so as the first ever women head of a modern African state, Johnson-Sirleaf has assured herself a place in history. She was Minister of Finance 1972-3, then a senior official with Citibank in Nairobi (1883-85), then she was an Assistant General-Secretary of the United Nations, working with the Development Program's African office (1992-1997).

She came to office promising peace and stability after fourteen years of war, violence, and civil strife. Her own life tells a story of personal courage, including imprisonment and exile. Her success in the private sphere means that she could have remained outside of politics. However, she has chosen public service because she believes that her skills, especially in the economic field, equip her for leadership. She was also convinced that in a nation ravaged by a war largely waged be men, a woman might help to heal the people's wounds. She is an advocate of women's role in peacemaking, arguing that women bring a particular sensitivity to peace negotiations, and should be represented by right. She has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor from the United States, where she attended University. FORBES ranks her 51st on the list of the 100 most powerful women in the world.[2]

Life

Ellen's grandfather was a German who married a rural market woman. The grandfather was forced to leave the country during the war in 1917.

Two of Johnson-Sirleaf's grandparents were indigenous Liberians. Her father, the son of the Gola Chief Jahmalae and Jenneh, one of his many wives, was born in Julejuah, Bomi County. As a result of her grandfather's friendship and loyalty to President Hilary Richard Wright Johnson, and on the advice of the President, her father was brought to the capital, his name changed to Johnson, and he was given to the settler family, McCritty.

Johnson-Sirleaf graduated from the College of West Africa (Monrovia), a United Methodist high school. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S., in 1964, an economics diploma from the University of Colorado in 1970, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University in 1971. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,[3] a social action organization and the first collegiate sorority founded by and for Black women (1908).

On November 5, 2007, President George W. Bush awarded Johnson-Sirleaf the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award given by the United States.

Personal life

Johnson-Sirleaf is the mother of four sons (two live in the United States and two live in Liberia) and has eight grandchildren. Some of her grandchildren live in Atlanta, Georgia, Florida, and London. She is also married and also divorced.

Early career

Returning to Liberia after Harvard, Johnson-Sirleaf became Assistant Minister of Finance in President William Tolbert's administration (1972-3). In 1980, Tolbert was overthrown and killed by army sergeant Samuel Doe, ending decades of relative stability. Doe was a member of the Krahn ethnic group and was the first Liberian president not to be descended from the elite ex-American slave community. For the next ten years, Doe allowed the Krahn people to dominate public life. She was placed under house arrest in 1985, for criticizing the regime, and has been imprisoned on several occasions.

After the overthrow of Tolbert, Johnson-Sirleaf went into exile in Nairobi, Kenya, where she worked for Citibank. She returned to run for Senate in 1985, but when she spoke out against Doe's military regime, she was sentenced to ten years in prison. Released after a short period, she moved to Washington, D.C. She returned to Liberia again, in 1997, in the capacity of an economist, working for the World Bank, and Citibank in Africa. From 1992-1997, she worked for the UNDP with the equivalent rank of an Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Initially supporting Charles Taylor's bloody rebellion against President Samuel Doe in 1990, she later went on to oppose him, and ran against him in the 1997 presidential election. She managed only 10 percent of the votes, as opposed to Taylor's 75 percent. Taylor charged her with treason. She campaigned for the removal of President Taylor from office, playing an active and supportive role in the transitional government, as the country prepared itself for the 2005 election. With Taylor's departure, she returned to take over the leadership of the Unity Party.

In 1999, she was one of seven "eminent persons" nominated by the Organization of African Unity to investigate the Rwandan Genocide.

Presidency

During the election campaign, the grandmother figure was often dwarfed by her party officials and bodyguards. One veteran of Liberia's political scene said Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf's nickname comes from her iron will and determination.

It would have been much easier for her to quit politics and sit at home like others have done but she has never given up.[4]

She stressed that if elected she would combat corruption and work for national reconciliation and that she would include her opponent in her government. She argued that as a woman who had played no role in the war she could help to heal the wounds of war, bringing motherly "sensitivity and emotion to the Presidency." Although much of her support came from women, she also attracted men who agreed that it might be time to give a woman a chance, as one male voter said, "We need a woman to out things right."[5] She promised to reform the land tenure system, a source of dispute between different ethnic groups. In the first round of 2005 voting, she came second, with 175,520 votes, putting her through to the runoff vote on November 8, against former soccer player George Weah. On November 11, the National Elections Commission of Liberia declared Johnson-Sirleaf to be president-elect of Liberia. On November 23, they confirmed their decision, saying that Johnson-Sirleaf had won with a margin of almost 20 percent of the vote. Independent, international, regional, and domestic observers declared the vote to be free, fair, and transparent.[6] Her supporters say she has two advantages over the man she faced in the run-off: She was better educated and a woman.[7] She also promised to "encourage woman across Africa to seek high political office."[8] Her inauguration took place on January 16, 2006; foreign attendees of the ceremony included Condoleezza Rice, Laura Bush, and Michaëlle Jean.

US Ambassador Donald E. Booth and Liberia's then–president-elect Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

She began her inaugural address with a period of silent commemoration for those who died in the civil war, then promised change:

This occasion, held under the cloudy skies, marks a celebration of change and a dedication to an agenda for a socio-economic and political reordering; indeed, a national renewal.

Today, we wholeheartedly embrace this change. We recognize that this change is not change for change sake, but a fundamental break with the past, thereby requiring that we take bold and decisive steps to address the problems that for decades have stunted our progress, undermined national unity, and kept old and new cleavages in ferment.

As we embrace this new commitment to change, it is befitting that, for the first time, the inauguration is being held on the Capitol Grounds, one of the three seats of Government. We pledge anew our commitment to transparency, open government, and participatory democracy for all of our citizens.[9]

On March 15, 2006, President Johnson-Sirleaf addressed a joint meeting of the United States Congress, asking for American support to help her country “become a brilliant beacon, an example to Africa and the world of what love of liberty can achieve.”[10]

Uncomfortably for Johnson-Sirleaf, former President Charles Taylor's followers remain, in large numbers, in Liberia's government. Taylor's estranged wife, Jewel Howard Taylor, is in the Senate. So is Prince Johnson, whose gruesome torture and murder of President Samuel Doe, in 1990, was captured on a widely-distributed videotape.

She has made education of girls a priority. She has set up the Liberia Education Trust, with an ambitious school building and teacher training program. In June 2008, she established the 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue of the Women Peace and Security Network in Africa.[11]

160 years of independence

On July 26, 2007, President Sirleaf celebrated Liberia's 160th Independence Day under the theme "Liberia at 160: Reclaiming the future." She took an unprecedented and symbolic move by asking 25 year old Liberian activist Kimmie Weeks to serve as National Orator for the celebrations. Kimmie became Liberia's youngest National Orator in over a hundred years and delivered a powerful speech. He called for the government to prioritize education and health care. A few days later, President Sirleaf issued an Executive Order making education free and compulsory for all elementary school aged children.

Positions

  • 1972–circa 1978: Assistant minister of finance of the government of Liberia
  • 1979–1980: Minister of finance of the government of Liberia
  • 1982–1985: Vice president of the Africa Regional Office of Citibank, Nairobi
  • 1986–1992: Vice president and member of the executive board of Equator Bank, Washington, D.C.
  • 1988–1999: Member of board of directors of The Synergos Institute
  • 1992–1997: Director of the UN Development Program Regional Bureau for Africa
  • 1997: Standard bearer of Unity Party
  • 2004–2005: Chairperson of the Commission on Good Governance (Liberia)
  • 2005: Standard bearer of the Unity Party; Candidate for President
  • 2006: President of Liberia

Other previous positions:

  • Founding member of the International Institute for Women in Political Leadership
  • Member of the advisory board of the Modern Africa Growth and Investment Company
  • Member of the finance committee of the Modern Africa Fund Managers
  • President of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment
  • President of the Kormah Development and Investment Corporation
  • Senior loan officer of World Bank
  • Vice president of Citibank

Miscellaneous information

  • Johnson-Sirleaf is the second elected black woman head of state in the world and also second female leader of Liberia, after Ruth Perry (who assumed leadership after an overthrow), and the fifth such head of government after Empress Zewditu of Ethiopia, Eugenia Charles of Dominica, Sylvie Kinigi of Burundi, and Agathe Uwilingiyimana of Rwanda.
  • In 2006, Forbes magazine named her the 51st in the most powerful woman in the world.[12]
  • Johnson-Sirleaf is a member of The United Methodist Church, attending First United Methodist Church of Monrovia.

Legacy

Although her record in office will be evaluated by what she achieves during her presidency, the fact that she is the first women head of a modern African state assures her place in history. Her commitment to democracy and to development earned her nation's confidence. Her commitment to enabling more women to participate in peacemaking around the world is likely to be strengthened when pursued from the Executive Mansion. She has argued that women should be assured a place at peace talks through ensuring that a gender-balance is built into all international initiatives. Speaking about women's role in peace making, she says:

Women are more concerned about people…. They are in the homes carrying the burden of the home and the family. [From that experience,] women bring a sensibility, a sensitivity, to those things which bring peace.[13]

Publications

  • 1991. From Disaster to Development.
  • 1992. The Outlook for Commercial Bank Lending to Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • 2002. Co-author: Women, War and Peace: The Independent Experts’ Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women’s Role in Peace-building, a project of UNIFEM (the United Nations Development Fund for Women)

Awards

  • Recipient of the 1988 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Freedom of Speech Award
  • Ralph Bunche International Leadership Award
  • Grand commander Star of Africa Redemption of Liberia
  • Commandeur de l'Ordre du Togo (commander of the Order of Mono(Togo))
  • 2006 Common Ground Award [1]recipient
  • 2006 Laureate of the Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger
  • 2006 Distinguished Fellow, Claus M. Halle Institute for Global Learning, Emory University
  • 2006 Awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws from Marquette University
  • 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom (USA)

Notes

  1. CBC News In-depth, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: Liberia's Iron Lady. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  2. Forbes, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  3. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Johnson-Sirleaf Inaugurated as Liberian President. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  4. BBC, Profile: Liberia's "Iron Lady." Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  5. Hoogensen and Solheim, p. 59.
  6. Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 58.
  7. Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 58.
  8. Hoogensen and Solheim (2006), p. 59.
  9. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Liberia: Text of Inaugural Address by President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, All Africa. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  10. All Africa, Liberia: President Sirleaf Thanks U.S. Congress, Asks for Continuing Support. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  11. Government of the Republic of Liberia Executive Mansion, [President Johnson Sirleaf Launches 1st Peace Girls Leadership Dialogue.] Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  12. Forbes, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Retrieved July 1, 2008.
  13. Michael Fleshman, African Women Struggle for a Seat at the peace table, Africa Recovery, 16:4:1. Retrieved June 18, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Anderson, Jon Lee. Letter from Liberia, "After the Warlords." The New Yorker, 2006.
  • Hoogensen, Gunhild, and Bruce Olav Solheim. Women in Power: World Leaders since 1960. Westport, CN: Praeger Publishers, 2006. ISBN 978-0275981907.
  • Lloyd, Robert. "Rebuilding the Liberian State—Can President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf overcome the effects of a brutal civil war that devastated her country and destabilized its neighbors? Liberians must hope so." Current History. 105(691): 229. 2006.
  • McCain, John, and Mark Salter. Hard Call: Great Decisions and the Extraordinary People who Made Them. New York: Twelve, 2007. ISBN 978-0446580403.
  • Sutherland-Addy, Esi, and Aminata Diaw. Women Writing Africa. West Africa and the Sahel. New York: Feminist Press at the City University of New York, 2005. ISBN 978-1558615014.

External links

All links retrieved September 13, 2017.

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