First Female President in Africa – Johnson Hellen Sirleaf

The first female president in Africa is Johnson Hellen Sirleaf of Liberia, who broke barriers in leadership and opened the doors for women in leadership and governance in Africa and beyond. 

Johnson Hellen Sirleaf went head-to-head with men, famously stating, “What a man can do, a woman can do better.”

Born on 29th October 1938 in Monrovia, Liberia, Johnson Sirleaf began her basic education in Monrovia and was later admitted to the College of West Africa in Liberia, where she earned her first bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1964.

After completing her first degree, she moved to the United States of America to further her education. She enrolled at Harvard University, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration in 1971. She later attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she was awarded a Certificate in Micro Enterprise Development in 1989.

Johnson Sirleaf began her political career in the late 1970s as a financial administrator for the Liberian government. Her full involvement in politics started in 1980, when she partnered with President Samuel Doe’s administration as an active member.

Unfortunately, Johnson Hellen Sirleaf was arrested and jailed due to her bold political activities but was later released to continue her participation in politics.

As an active member of the Unity Party, Johnson Sirleaf advocated for the socio-economic development of Liberia. During Liberia’s civil war, she traveled to America, where she lived for several years. After the civil war ended in 2003, she returned to Liberia and was elected Chairperson of the Unity Party. She used her position to inspire many women to support the party’s ideologies, influencing their involvement in politics, an area traditionally dominated by men.

Her advocacy for good governance and proper democracy made her widely popular in Liberia and Africa at large. She became a role model for many women across the continent.

In 2005, Johnson Hellen Sirleaf contested the Liberian presidential election on the ticket of the Unity Party. Due to her popularity, she won the election with 54.4% of the vote, becoming the first democratically elected female president of Liberia and the first female Head of State in African history.

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Her Legacy as President

During her tenure, she worked tirelessly to promote the socio-economic development of Liberia. She improved the country’s infrastructure and expanded government services, significantly contributing to the nation’s progress. Her efforts to ensure political stability earned her re-election, securing an overwhelming 90.7% of the votes cast.

Her second term ended in 2018, after which she peacefully handed over power to George Weah, the current President of Liberia.

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In 2011, Johnson Sirleaf received the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her dedication to promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and women’s empowerment in Liberia and across Africa.

How you learned some interesting facts about the Johnson Hellen Sirleaf, first Female President in Africa.