Independent Lens . IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA

After 14 years of a brutal civil war, Liberia elects its first female president—Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, nicknamed the Iron Lady.

With her predominately female cabinet, President Johnson Sirleaf struggles during her first year in office to rebuild a war-ravaged country, fight rampant corruption and prevent a descent back into war.

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Liberia

Settled in the early 1800s by freed slaves and recovering from almost two decades of civil war two centuries later, Liberia endeavors to sustain itself.

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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

She's a Harvard-educated grandmother of eight, has served time in jail for her political beliefs, is a former employee of the World Bank and the first elected female president of Africa.

Learn about Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's past and presidency >>