Monrovia, Liberia – The fifth anniversary of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Center was celebrated with a lively and festive gathering of local and international luminaries from Africa and beyond.
The gathering, which took place on the evening of Saturday, March 8, brought together prominent international leaders both electronically and in person. Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, African Union Commission Special Envoy Ms. Bineta Diop, and Mo Ibrahim Foundation CEO Ms. Nathalie Delapalme were among the notable guests.
The opulent event, which was held at the home of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on International Women’s Day, theme was “Journey to #GapZero in Women’s Public Leadership.”
The EJS Center’s founder, Madam Sirleaf, emphasized in her speech the Center’s significant successes in gender equality in leadership in Africa and throughout the world.
“Today, we honor not only the achievements of the EJS Center but also the tenacity, willpower, and genius of women who persist in shattering stereotypes and changing the face of leadership in Africa and around the world,” she said.
Former President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
As she considered the Center’s accomplishments, she pointed out that programs like the Amujae Leadership Program have enabled remarkable women to take up leadership roles and bravely and visionarily change their communities and nations during the last five years.
“We must keep tearing down the systemic obstacles that prevent women from holding leadership positions. It is a dedication to creating a society in which women are accepted as equal players in determining our future and do not have to struggle for a place at the table,” Madam Sirleaf underlined.
Musi ehjaha Vai, which translates “The African Women’s House,” was another term she established during the ceremony. By offering a platform for creativity, cooperation, and mentoring, this innovative new project seeks to act as a center for African women leaders.
She went on to say that it will demonstrate her institution constant commitment to fostering the next generation of pioneers.
Also speaking event, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai said, one of the best ways Liberia can pay tribute to former President Sirleaf’s legacy is by building Musiehjah. He promised his government’s full support for this project and the promotional of women in leadership.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai
“The way the world continues to celebrate Liberia through your contributions makes us extremely pleased today. Because of your involvement in the global politic and promoting and acknowledging the role of women, Liberia is really a wonderful and honored land,” President Boakai said.
Former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo both commended Madam Sirleaf for her dedication to uplifting African women in separate statements.
In order to enable women who break down barriers in leadership roles to achieve even higher heights in society, Madam Zewde emphasized the need of supporting women.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
