Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Archives

Topic: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Joyce Banda, First Female President Of Malawi, Is Anti-Revenge, Pro-Pants

This is a historic moment for Malawi, the African country where the question of whether women should be allowed to wear pants is a major ongoing issue: This weekend, Joyce Banda was sworn in as president, becoming the country’s first female leader. The country’s previous president has died of a heart attack last week, but no one in the government would admit it until Saturday, a full day after doctors announced the death. Banda had feuded with the former president, but had successfully clung to her title as vice president. (Imagine that happening with President Obama and Joe Biden!) After her inauguration, she announced, “I sincerely hope there is no room for revenge.” Revenge: No. Pants: Yes. More »

Who Are The Three Women That Won The Nobel Peace Prize?

In a declaration that shows the Nobel Peace Prize Committee recognizes the importance of women’s rights, it awarded its annual Peace Prize on Friday to three women who campaign against war and oppression to secure these rights. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa’s first freely elected female head of state, shared the $1.5 million with compatriot Leymah Gbowee, who led a “sex strike” among her efforts against Liberia’s civil war, and Arab activist Tawakul Karman, who hailed the award as a victory for democracy in Yemen. The fact that three women won the award is a huge moment but the fact that they won for their fight to improve women’s plights all over the world is extremely significant. More »