各国名人英文介绍-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf（在线收听）

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938) became President of Liberia in 2005. She was Africa's first ever elected female head of state. She has the nickname “Iron Lady” because of her iron will and determination. She also actively campaigns for women’s rights. Before taking office as president, she worked for the World Bank and was vice president of Citibank Africa.

Johnson Sirleaf went to the top schools in the Liberian capital Monrovia. She was a very bright and diligent student. Her family moved to the USA, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in accounting. She had a head for figures. In 1971, she graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s in Public Administration. She was now equipped to help her poor country.

Ellen returned to Liberia and worked hard in several government positions and soon became Assistant Minister of Finance. In 1980, a coup forced Johnson Sirleaf into exile in Kenya. She returned home to run for the Senate in 1985. However, when she spoke out against the military regime, she was put in prison. After her release, she fled to America.

She returned to Liberia in 1997 to run in the presidential election. She got only 10% of the votes. She continued to play an active role in politics. She contested the 2005 elections and beat her rival, the soccer player George Weah. She wants Liberia to “become a brilliant beacon, an example to Africa and the world of what love of liberty can achieve”.