Today In History logo TIH
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Historical Figure

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

b. 1938

President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018

Interwar & WWII

Talk to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI

Biography

Ellen Eugenia Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician who served as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Sirleaf was the first elected female head of state in Africa.

Read more on Wikipedia

In Their Own Words (5)

Timeline

The story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, told in moments.

1971 Event

Earned a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School. One of a handful of Liberian women with an advanced degree at the time.

1985 Event

Sentenced to ten years in prison by the military government for speaking against the regime. Served a portion before international pressure secured her release. She went into exile.

2006 Event

Inaugurated as President of Liberia. First elected female head of state in Africa. She inherited a country shattered by 14 years of civil war.

2011 Event

Won the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman for their nonviolent work on women's safety and women's rights to participate in peacebuilding.

More from the Interwar & WWII

Explore what happened on the days that shaped Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.