Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Quotes

Powerful Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for Daily Growth

About Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, born on October 29, 1932, in Monrovia, Liberia, was a trailblazing stateswoman who made history as Africa's first elected female head of state. Known for her resilience and commitment to democracy and peace, she was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. Raised by her grandmother due to her parents' early demise, Sirleaf excelled academically, earning scholarships to attend college in the United States. She graduated from the prestigious Harvard University with a master's degree in public administration in 1964. Upon returning to Liberia, she joined the government as Assistant Minister of Finance, making her the first woman to hold a cabinet position in Africa. Sirleaf's political journey was marked by challenges and adversity. During the military rule that took over Liberia in 1980, she was imprisoned for her opposition to the regime. In exile, she continued to advocate for democracy and human rights, serving as the President of the Liberian Action Party. After a long and tumultuous civil war, Sirleaf was elected as the President of Liberia in 2005, becoming Africa's first democratically elected female head of state. During her tenure, she focused on rebuilding infrastructure, promoting education, and fostering economic development. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to peace, reconciliation, and good governance. Post-presidency, Sirleaf remains an influential voice for democracy and women's rights in Africa. Her memoir, "This Child Will Be Great: Memoirs of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First elected Female Head of State," provides insight into her journey and the challenges faced by African women in politics. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's life story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of education.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."

This quote from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasizes the importance of having ambitious dreams that challenge us. If our aspirations don't make us feel a sense of fear or uncertainty, it suggests that we may be setting our sights too low. By pursuing dreams that scare us, we are pushing ourselves to grow, learn, and ultimately achieve more than we thought possible. This mindset encourages resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles in pursuit of a meaningful life.


"When we step out on faith and follow our dreams, we must also remember that we do not walk alone. We cannot sustain ourselves."

This quote emphasizes the importance of both personal determination (stepping out on faith and following dreams) and interconnectedness with others (we do not walk alone). It suggests that pursuing our goals and ambitions is a journey that should not be undertaken in isolation, as we require support, guidance, and companionship along the way. The quote encourages individuals to remember their reliance on others for sustenance - emotional, physical, or otherwise. By acknowledging this interdependence, one can more effectively navigate the challenges that come with pursuing dreams and aspirations.


"In the fight for gender equality, it's important to recognize that every woman has a role to play, from the C-suite executive to the street vendor."

This quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasizes the essential role of women in achieving gender equality. It suggests that the struggle for gender equality is not solely the responsibility of those in high-ranking positions (C-suite executives), but it also involves every woman, regardless of her profession or social status (from a street vendor to a CEO). In essence, Sirleaf is underscoring the idea that collective efforts are crucial to advancing gender equality. Every woman has a unique contribution to make in this fight for equality.


"Liberia's recovery will be measured by our commitment to justice and rule of law, transparency and accountability, good governance and respect for human rights."

This quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasizes that the recovery and progress of Liberia will hinge on their dedication to key principles such as justice and the rule of law, transparency, accountability, good governance, and respect for human rights. These principles are often considered pillars of a stable, prosperous, and fair society. By upholding them, Liberia can demonstrate its commitment to creating an environment where all citizens have equal opportunities, and can trust their government.


"I have never used my gender as a barrier or an obstacle, but I have used it as part of my identity in making me who I am and what I stand for."

This quote emphasizes that former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf views her gender not as a limiting factor or an impediment, but rather as a defining aspect of her identity. She leverages her femininity to shape her persona and the principles she represents. In essence, she uses being a woman as a source of strength and uniqueness, rather than allowing it to be a hindrance.


My calling was first of all to ensure there was peace in the country, because we could easily have gone back to war. In the midst of the country, there were still warlords; there were many child soldiers who had never gone to school - they were part of the social setting - compromises had to be made.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Country, Back, Part, Compromises

The future belongs to us, because we have taken charge of it. We have the commitment, we have the resourcefulness, and we have the strength of our people to share the dream across Africa of clean water for all.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Clean Water, Africa, Charge, Our People

In terms of being able to renew my nation, to be able to be able to bring back a devastated country, to restore hope to our people, to lift women and to give them a new horizon, a new ambition and new dreams, in respect of all of that, I think we've accomplished it, and I feel very good about that.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Country, I Think, Very, Our People

I beg you I no magician. I can't just wave a magic wand.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Magic, Beg, Wand, Magician

All girls know that they can be anything now. That transformation is to me one of the most satisfying things.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Me, Now, Most, Satisfying

My mother was a disciplinarian. She believed that when young girls start to go out with young boys, they get married.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Start, Young, Young Girls, Get Married

Liberia just needs to go through this one political transition and it can really take off. Everything's in place now. We cannot afford to put the country in the hands of someone that lacks the experience.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Country, Through, Needs, Transition

I've been involved in politics for quite some time. I've held positions, and my experiences are very deep, and I think I have the capacity, the courage, and the character to institute the kinds of reforms that are so desperately needed.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Politics, Some, Very, Institute

The people of Liberia know what it means to be deprived of clean water, but we also know what it means to see our children to begin to smile again with a restoration of hope and faith in the future.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Clean Water, Again, Means, Deprived

One has to look at my life story to see what I've done. I've paid a heavy price that many people don't realize.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

My Life, Look, Many, Life Story

I would like to make sure, first of all, that our women in the informal sector - I mean, these are the farmers and the traders; many of them are not educated, many of them lacking literacy - be able to give them better working conditions. And we've done a lot to be able to achieve that.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Farmers, Achieve, Our, First Of All

We've done a lot to restore Liberia's credibility, Liberia's reputation, Liberia's presence.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Reputation, Restore, Lot, Presence

Women work harder. And women are more honest; they have less reasons to be corrupt.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Work, Corrupt, Reasons, Women Are

I just think that unless you have that cohesiveness in the family unit, the male character tends to become very dominant, repressive and insensitive. So much of this comes also from a lack of education.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Education, Very, Family Unit, Tends

My mother was the strength. She was the anchor. She was a preacher and a teacher.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Mother, Teacher, She, Anchor

I'm not talking about what you hear from 5 per cent of the population on the radio, in the papers. I don't pay attention to it. I travel around the country. I'm happy I have a good relationship with the people.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Happy, Country, Cent, Hear

As more men become more educated and women get educated, the value system has to be more enhanced and the respect for human dignity and human life is made better.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Human Dignity, More, Made, Enhanced

When I took office, Liberia began to recover from years of neglect. Our people have brought clean water into the heart of Monrovia to children who have never known water from a tap. Efforts are underway to expand water projects as much as possible throughout the country.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Country, Projects, Brought, Our People

I underestimated the low level of capacity. I also underestimated the cultural roots of corruption.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Cultural, Underestimated, Corruption

We have to overcome the practice of male domination - even though it's changing, and changing in Liberia quite drastically.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Practice, Domination, Though, Drastically

I don't think people understand the awesomeness of the destruction of this country - its institutions, its infrastructure, its law, its morals.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Law, Think, Country, Morals

I think we're ready for succession. We just must try to do it right.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Think, Ready, I Think, Succession

I stand by it. I take the criticism for it. I think it's unfair, but yes, there is a thing about nepotism, and we all try to respect it.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Think, I Think, Nepotism, Unfair

I think the majority of the Liberian people want peace.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Think, Want, I Think, Majority

I work hard, I work late, I have nothing on my conscience. When I go to bed, I sleep.

- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Sleep, Work Hard, Bed, Late

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