Welcome to Litsy!

In January 2006, after fourteen years of brutal civil conflict in the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—Africa’s “Iron Lady”—was sworn in as president, an event that marked a tremendous turning point in the history of this West African nation. In this stirring memoir, Sirleaf shares the inside story of her rise to power, including her early childhood, her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile, and her fight for democracy and social justice. Her compelling story is a tale of survival and the determination to succeed in multiple worlds—from her work and study in America to village-to-village election campaigning in some of Liberia’s war-torn desperate areas and neighborhoods. It is also the story of an outspoken political and social reformist who, despite danger, fought against the abuses of ruthless dictators to champion change. By sharing her story, Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to seek leadership roles at the highest levels of power—and offers hope for everyone that, with perseverance, we can change the world.