By Samuel Ouma
Former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf urged women leaders to reject limiting assumptions and lead with bold conviction.
Addressing the fourth cohort of Amujae Leaders—emerging African women trailblazers in politics and public service—Sirleaf challenged them to stay grounded in their purpose and organize for impact.
She delivered the powerful message during the closing session of the Amujae Leadership Forum 2025 in Marrakech, where conversations centred on voter behaviour, generational divides, and the complex realities faced by women in politics.
President Sirleaf directly noted the complex expectations placed on women in leadership.
“Competition is universal. Men and women both face hostility in politics. The difference is, that women expect support. But support doesn’t always come from expected places. You must organize, build coalitions, and stay grounded in your purpose,” she said.
Her message resonated with the participants, many of whom are navigating challenging political and civic environments in their respective countries. Sirleaf encouraged the leaders to focus on impact over popularity and to approach leadership with clarity and discipline.
The Amujae Leadership Forum, an initiative of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, has become a premier platform for equipping African women with the tools and networks needed to ascend to the highest levels of public leadership.
