MONROVIA – When scores of past world leaders of her age are preparing for themselves inevitable afterlife, Africa and Liberia’s first female President is yet to resign her fate to the pantheon of dustbin public figures. Amidst the background of high-flying rumors that Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has answered the call of her Maker, the “Iron Lady” of Liberia is currently in the United States of America where she is locked down in private high-level roundtable discussions with U.S. opinion leaders to promote women’s participation in politics and civil society, as well as to discuss the contribution of women in peacebuilding, including raising the next generation of leaders via the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development.
The intense event titled: “Breaking the Barriers of Entry for Women Leaders in Africa” featured former President Sirleaf and US Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield leading the public roundtable and public event.
According to the organizers, the important event is timely and strategic given the release of the U.S. Strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa and heading into the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit the week following this event.
Several countries in Africa have recently seen democratic backsliding, exemplified by military takeovers particularly in the West Africa and Sahel regions. Stable governance requires the purposeful inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders, including women and youth, both in ensuring democratic processes and in leadership positions.
Ahead of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the event featured a fireside chat with former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The conversation explored their personal journeys to positions of leadership, the importance of empowering women in politics, public service and the private sector across Africa, and their shared bond in lifting up the next generation.
Madam Sirleaf became Liberia and Africa’s first female president from 2006-2018. She is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her ongoing work through her foundation is especially meaningful for her and for the promotion of women in Africa.
Launched on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2020, the mission of the Amujae Initiative of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development is to inspire and prepare women to unapologetically take up roles and excel in the highest echelons of public leadership, empowering other women in the process.
Meanwhile, Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to lead an array of high society women of substance in Liberia on Saturday December 17, 2022 at the Bella cassava Hotel in sinkor.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and its Eta Beta Omega chapter has over the years held these annual balls to raise funds for the organizations’ charity and social Work in Liberia.
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