Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been recognized by FORBES AFRICA for her place in African history and her continued work to promote women’s leadership across the continent.
Sirleaf, who became Africa’s first democratically elected female head of state in 2005, was featured in the magazine’s March 2020 edition alongside other prominent African women, including South African musician and humanitarian Yvonne Chaka Chaka and former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.
Her rise to the Liberian presidency marked a turning point for women’s participation in African politics. She served two terms, from 2006 to 2018, leading Liberia through post-war recovery and the challenges of rebuilding a country devastated by years of civil conflict.
Since leaving office, Sirleaf has continued to support women seeking leadership positions through the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, which she founded in 2018.
Her work includes the Amujae Initiative, launched in 2020 to help African women prepare for leadership roles in government, business and civil society.
In 2025, the center announced a $30 million Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative’s 20th anniversary meeting to establish the African Women’s House and expand its existing programs.
The proposed institution is intended to give women leaders a place to learn, share experiences and work together to influence the future of the continent.
“The African Women’s House will be a place where women leaders come together to learn, to lead, and to change the future of our continent,” Sirleaf said.
Beyond women’s leadership, the former president has also called for greater African involvement in decisions about the continent’s health systems.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, she stressed the importance of women’s participation in shaping health policies and responding to public health challenges.
“Africa’s health sovereignty will not be achieved without the full leadership and participation of its women,” she said.
Sirleaf’s journey has also drawn praise from other women who see her presidency as an example of breaking barriers.
Nini Amerlise Nwosu, founder and chief executive officer of NA Management, told FORBES AFRICA that Sirleaf’s influence went beyond her time in office.
“Her most lasting legacy is proof. She proved a woman could rebuild not just an economy, but a country’s belief in itself,” Nwosu said.
Psychologist and researcher Ibifubara Davies also highlighted the importance of Sirleaf’s leadership, particularly her challenge to traditional ideas about women and political power.
“Leadership cannot be separated from deeply understanding people,” Davies told FORBES AFRICA.
For Liberia, Sirleaf remains a historic figure whose presidency opened new possibilities for women in politics. Her continued work through the presidential center reflects her efforts to help more African women follow that path and take up leadership roles in their own countries.
