First female Liberian president visits Harvard

Serghino René

For the past two decades, the world has come to know Liberia as a land of political unrest, widespread corruption and unimaginable brutality. Today, Liberia is in the midst of an economic transformation under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the nation’s first female president, who was inaugurated on Jan. 16.

Earlier this week, Sirleaf, seen as a beacon of hope to the Liberian people, delivered a lecture entitled “Liberia: From Crisis to Opportunity” at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she earned her master’s degree in public administration in 1971. The International Rescue Committee recognized her for her leadership and vision in guiding her country towards peace.

“My presence here is not only an honor to me, but a tribute to the women of Africa,” said Sirleaf. “The women of my country have demonstrated throughout the years of our national tragedy that we are determined to keep on living, struggling and searching for [our] dignity in the midst of some of the most tremendous horrors that mankind has given us.”

During her appearance, she discussed finance and public policy as it affects Liberia. She told Liberia’s sad story of national fear, poverty and an unstructured government, referring to the last two decades as “a period of darkness and insanity” where her nation’s people became refugees, going to all corners of the globe for shelter and safety.

“That era sapped the potential of our people and made a mockery of the efforts of our forefathers,” said Sirleaf.

But despite the political adversity that once plagued the nation, she preaches a message of new hope, revitalization and economic growth.

“It is within this fragile political, social and economic context that my administration takes over the management of our economy,” said Sirleaf.

She called education and foreign investment crucial rebuilding tools for the nation, which has been devastated by civil wars, and mentioned that the government is working to rebuild the schools that were destroyed and to educate Liberian young people, many of whom never attended school during the wars.

“We know we must quickly consolidate the potential dividends of Liberia’s hard-won peace. We know we must respond to the deep wounds of the civil war and enhance national government governance while quickly introducing through measures of structural reform and reconstruction,” said Sirleaf.

Sirleaf’s dedication to public service spans nearly four decades, and she will have to draw on all of that experience as she tackles the most challenging task ever undertaken by a Liberian leader.

“I’m glad that I have the opportunity to lead the effort that will move us from the crisis of the past to the opportunity of the present,” said Sirleaf.