How Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Became An Icon For African Women
As Africa’s first elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has emerged as a transformative leader in post-civil war Liberia, creating a legacy that serves as a beacon for women fostering positive change in Africa and beyond.
On Friday (Nov. 17), Sirleaf was honored with a TIME100 Impact Award s during TIME’s inaugural Africa Summit and Gala in Kigali, Rwanda. As she accepted the award, Sirleaf said her life’s journey was ultimately motivated by “the faces of those I have had the privilege to serve, the people who yearned for a better life, a brighter future.”
On Friday (Nov. 17), Sirleaf was honored with a TIME100 Impact Award s during TIME’s inaugural Africa Summit and Gala in Kigali, Rwanda. As she accepted the award, Sirleaf said her life’s journey was ultimately motivated by “the faces of those I have had the privilege to serve, the people who yearned for a better life, a brighter future.”
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00:00 Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you tonight deeply moved and grateful for the privilege
00:13 of accepting the Time 100 Impact Award.
00:24 It is an honor that I share not only with my fellow Liberians and Africans, but with
00:33 people all over the world who strive for positive change and social progress.
00:44 I am reminded of a moment in my life that brought me to the pages of Time magazine in
00:54 a different capacity.
00:57 In 2006, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Time 100, a list that celebrates
01:08 influential leaders, pioneers, and changemakers from around the world.
01:16 My life's journey has been one filled with challenges, resilience, and an unwavering
01:28 commitment to make a difference.
01:33 What inspires me, you might ask?
01:38 The answer lies in the faces of those I have had the privilege to serve, the people who
01:48 yearned for a better life, a better future.
01:55 Their hope, their dreams, and their determination have been my constant source of inspiration.
02:09 As the first female president of Liberia, I had the opportunity to lead a nation healing
02:17 from the scars of civil conflict.
02:22 It indeed was a daunting task, but my determination to bring peace, stability, and progress to
02:33 Liberia kept me going.
02:38 The impact of those years is evident in the remarkable strides our nation has made, and
02:49 I am proud to have been a part of that transformation.
03:01 But tonight, I also want to look forward.
03:06 My aspirations extend beyond the presidency, beyond Liberia.
03:14 I am committed to mentoring the next generation of African leaders, women leaders, to guide
03:27 them in the pursuit of a more equitable and prosperous continent.
03:35 My hope is to empower young women and men, instill in them the belief that they, too,
03:47 can be effective, no matter the obstacles they might face.
03:54 I envision a world where women's rights are not just acknowledged, but fully realized,
04:04 where economic opportunities are accessible to all, and where social justice prevails.
04:15 Receiving this award is a profound moment.
04:20 It is a testament to the belief that change is possible, even in the face of insurmountable
04:28 challenges.
04:30 It is a reminder that the pursuit of justice, equality, and peace is not in vain, and it
04:39 is a call to action for each and every one of us.
04:46 I accept this award with immense gratitude, not just for myself, but for all those who
04:53 have worked this path with me.
04:57 Let us stand together and commit to a future where our collective efforts lead to a lasting
05:05 positive change.
05:08 I thank all of you for your support, and I look forward to the journey ahead, where
05:16 together we can make the world a better place, and also to see women empower equality with
05:28 men.
05:29 Thank you.
05:30 [Applause]
05:30 (audience cheering)