Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is an economist, politician and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018, becoming Africa's first elected female head of state. Prior to her presidency, she worked for the World Bank and various financial institutions, developing expertise in economics and public policy. Her memoir "This Child Will Be Great" chronicles her journey from a young girl in Monrovia to her role as president, including her experiences during Liberia's civil wars and her time in exile. The book details her commitment to rebuilding Liberia's economy and infrastructure while promoting women's rights and education. As an author and public figure, Sirleaf's writing focuses on themes of democracy, women's empowerment, and economic development in Africa. Her work frequently addresses the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and the importance of strong democratic institutions. Beyond her published works, Sirleaf has contributed to numerous academic journals and international publications, offering insights on African governance and development. She continues to be an influential voice on international development and women's leadership in politics.

Readers consistently praise Sirleaf's memoir "This Child Will Be Great" for providing a detailed first-hand account of Liberia's political transformation. Many highlight her straightforward writing style and thorough explanation of complex political situations. What readers liked: - Clear breakdown of Liberian history and politics - Personal anecdotes that illuminate larger political issues - Direct approach to discussing corruption and challenges - Insights into being a female leader in African politics What readers disliked: - Some sections on economic policy feel technical and dense - Early chapters move slowly compared to later political content - Limited personal revelations about family life - Some readers wanted more detail about specific policy decisions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "Sirleaf explains complicated political situations without losing the human element." Another commented: "The economic sections require concentration, but her personal story is compelling."

This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President (2009) An autobiography detailing Sirleaf's journey from her childhood in Liberia through her education, imprisonment, exile, and eventual rise to become Africa's first elected female head of state.

Madame President: The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (2017) A memoir focusing on Sirleaf's presidency of Liberia from 2006-2018, covering her efforts to rebuild the nation after civil war and her handling of the Ebola crisis.

Leymah Gbowee writes about women's activism and peace-building in Liberia during civil conflict. Her memoir "Mighty Be Our Powers" covers similar themes to Sirleaf's work about female leadership in African politics and post-war reconstruction.

Joyce Banda documents her experience as Malawi's first female president and her work in women's empowerment. Her writings focus on democracy building and economic development in Africa from a female head of state's perspective.

Wangari Maathai shares her journey as an environmental activist and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Her books examine themes of governance, sustainable development, and women's rights in Kenya.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala writes about economic reform and fighting corruption as Nigeria's finance minister. Her work provides insight into African economic policy-making and institutional reform from a female leader's viewpoint.

Graça Machel chronicles her work in education and human rights as Mozambique's first Education Minister. Her writing covers topics of children's rights, women in leadership, and post-conflict reconstruction in Africa.