Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician and economist. She was born in Monrovia, Liberia, in 1938. In 2006, she became the first elected female head of state in Africa. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work promoting peace and women's rights.

Early Life

Sirleaf grew up in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. She studied accounting and economics in the United States. She worked at the World Bank and the United Nations. She returned to Liberia to help rebuild her country after years of civil war.

President of Liberia

Sirleaf won the presidential election in 2005 and took office in 2006. She worked to bring peace and rebuild Liberia after two civil wars. She improved education and fought corruption. She served two terms as president and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Fun Facts

• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is known as the 'Iron Lady of Africa.'
• She shared the Nobel Peace Prize with two other women in 2011.
• She helped rebuild Liberia's roads, schools, and hospitals after civil war.

Did You Know?

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was jailed and even faced a death sentence for opposing Liberia's dictator. She escaped and continued fighting for democracy from abroad.