After reading Liberian Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee’s Book – ‘Mighty Be Our Powers’. I became interested in Liberia and the influential Women of the Country. One being, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s First Woman President. 

The Memoir

In her memoir, Ellen shares her story. This includes her climb to professional excellence and the difficulties she faced along the way. Ellen discusses physical abuse at the hands of her husband, imprisonment, exile, and her continued fight for democracy and social justice in Liberia. Having been married at 17, pregnant with her first child shortly after then having 3 more sons. Whilst her age mates were off to college, Ellen struggled to advance in her education and career. 

Whilst her future seemed bleak early on, it is clear that Ellen knew she had more to offer the world than being a traditional wife and mother. She was rigorous in her pursuit to effect change in Liberia, but this did not come without immense challenge and difficulty. 

Review

There are so many elements of this book that I enjoyed, I not only learnt about Ellen’s personal journey but the history of Liberia. It was interesting to learn about the previous presidents, men who abused their power for personal gain and ignored the pressing needs of the Liberian people they swore to serve. Ellen dove deep into how the effects of slavery, colonialism, politics, and corruption impacted Liberia and its people, as well as the role of Liberia in Africa. I found it fascinating to learn about the economy and infrastructure of Liberia. Alongside the detrimental and long-term damage caused by 14 years of war. 

What stood out to me was not only Ellen’s dedication to her home country but her enduring passion for the rights of women in Liberia. Liberia’s Civil Wars had a lasting and devasting impact on the Liberian people, especially the women and children. Young girls were poorly educated and the opportunity to go to school and gain an education was extremely low. Also, both girls and women experienced trauma from being sexually assaulted during the wars. However, women played an integral part in Ellen’s Presidency which she highlights and made a point to put women in powerful positions of leadership. 

For me, this memoir represents the power of a Woman. Not only Ellen but the power of African Women with visions, hopes, dreams and strength like no other. It was the women who advocated for change. And these were women who had experienced the devastating effects of war, mothers whose sons had been recruited as child soldiers, women who were unprotected, mishandled, and sexually assaulted. But still through their pain and fears, rallied and protested for peace in Liberia and their children. Although the reality was upsetting to read at times, I appreciate the opportunity this book gave me to know more about not just Liberia but African countries. I personally believe it is important as a Black Woman to know and acknowledge the very real and damaging ordeals our people face across the world.

Summary

Overall, Ellen reminds us of the importance of perseverance. She never gave up on her mission to create positive change in Liberia, despite facing numerous setbacks and threats from powerful members she kept going. She broke barriers for women of her generation and women after her. She knew the purpose God installed in her and with this, she did what I believe God called her to do. 

I definitely recommend this book, especially for young women going through their own journey to success. Whilst your story may be different, it’s very easy to develop a connection to Ellen’s story and to see yourself, as a woman through her. It is also well written, interesting and educating!

Purchase Ellen’s Memoir on Amazon.