EJS Calls for a ‘New Era of Leadership’ -Propounds Systemic Change Rooted in Civic Engagement

MONROVIA – The maestro of political and economic engineering, Liberia and Africa’s first democratically elected female president, is now marketing a new leadership paradigm—a “systemic change rooted in education, civic engagement, and policy influence”—a shift of mindset for investment in the next generation for Liberians. Speaking to a cadre national activists, including women leaders in politics, civil society, media, along with young change-makers, she said it is time to catalyze sustained progress toward gender equity in leadership. The Analyst’s Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr  reports.

At the historic launch of the “Country Talks: Beyond Representation” series, Liberia’s former president and Africa’s first elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, delivered a powerful address urging Liberians and the broader African community to move beyond symbolic representation of women in leadership toward systemic change rooted in education, civic engagement, and policy influence.

Hosted by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) in Monrovia, the forum brought together a cross-section of Liberian society, including women leaders in politics, civil society, media, and education, along with young change-makers.

The event marked the beginning of a national dialogue series designed to examine the real meaning of representation and to catalyze sustained progress toward gender equity in leadership.

“Changing Minds, Changing Attitudes”

Madam Johnson Sirleaf reflected candidly on the evolution of the EJS Center and its focus on higher-level leadership development, explaining that the decision to begin with women already positioned for influence was strategic.

“We needed enough people at a decision-making level who could make a difference,” she said. “That way, we could start changing the mindset changing attitudes.”

Looking ahead, she announced a new focus on what she called “the next generation,” pledging that the EJS Center will now more deliberately engage young people in discussions around civic education, values, and societal transformation.

“What does it take as a young person? What can we do to improve education, expand knowledge, and ultimately, build a society where leadership is more inclusive and impactful?” she asked.

She credited a post-presidency strategic review conducted for steering her focus toward public sector leadership. While her background was rooted in finance and economics, she noted that the analysis made it clear: building strong public institutions and nurturing ethical leadership in policy and governance was the most strategic gap to fill.

“We didn’t say politics,” she emphasized. “The Center never said politics. It said leadership in public service.”

Honoring a Legacy of Women Trailblazers

The forum also featured remarks from Ellen Pratt,  the EJS Center Executive Director, who underscored the deep historical roots of women’s leadership in Liberia from indigenous leader Madam Suakoko to legal pioneer Emma Shannon Walser, and the legacy of peacebuilders like Leymah Gbowee. Pratt framed Liberia’s progress as both a source of pride and a reminder of the work still to be done.

“Across our continent and here in Liberia women continue to face systemic barriers: limited access to networks, entrenched social norms, and exclusion in both subtle and overt forms,” Pratt said.

She also pointed to today’s key figures: 39% of executive roles in Liberia are held by women, but women remain underrepresented in the Legislature at just 11%.

“These figures show progress, but also the gaps that remain—especially in elected positions where policy and priorities are set,” she said.

A Forum of Voices: From Parliament to the Grassroots

The forum’s panel discussion brought together influential Liberian women from across the leadership spectrum, including: Representative Rugie Barry, Dr. Tanya Ansahta Garnett, Counselor Charlyne Brumskine, Deputy Minister Cornelia Kruah, and Alphia Faith Kemokai, a rising young leader.

Each shared personal insights and policy perspectives on how to elevate women’s voices not just in numbers, but in influence.

A Call to Action

Johnson Sirleaf’s closing remarks reminded the audience that representation must be a starting pointnot the end goal. “Country Talks is not just about numbers it’s about the stories and realities behind them,” she said. “Let us listen deeply, speak honestly, and think boldly about the Liberia we want, one where women’s leadership is not the exception, but the norm.”

As Liberia and the world observe the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, the message from Monrovia was clear: gender parity is not a gift to be given, but a right to be claimed and defended.