E-mail a friendApril 7, 2009
In an exclusive interview during her trip to the U.S., Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf—the first woman ever elected head of state in Africa—describes her abduction by soldiers during the coup and how she won the election. She also explains the name of her memoir and talks about the future of her country.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
President Johnson-Sirleaf discusses her decision to speak out against domestic violence. (2:21)
Full interview. (24:38)
Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was jailed and forced into exile more than once before becoming the first woman ever elected head of an African state. A former cabinet minister, she's had a distinguished career in banking and economic and financial management. She's also written on financial issues, development and human rights. She holds an MPA from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. In '07, she was awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom.
