Center Hosts Student Lunch Roundtable with Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
The Center for Human Rights and International Justice, the Center for African Studies, the Program in International Relations, and Stanford Global Studies were honored to host a student lunch roundtable with Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate.
Joining President Sirleaf in conversation were two alumni of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development’s Amujae Initiative: Fadzayi Mahere, a Zimbabwean lawyer, advocate, and prominent political figure, and Colorado State Representative Naquetta Ricks, the first Liberian American to be elected to any state legislature.
“Particularly at a moment where norms of human rights, equity, and justice are under attack, it is an immense privilege and incredibly nourishing to share the experience of three inspiring advocates for change with our campus community,” said Center Associate Director for Strategy and Program Development Jessie Brunner. “It is heartening to hear the qualities they emphasize as key to effective leadership - commitment, humility, and capability - so well represented among our students.”
About 40 students gathered to hear the three accomplished leaders share their experiences navigating complex political environments as progressive female politicians. President Sirleaf observed that, while there is still a long way to go, the landscape for women today is already far improved from decades ago. She pointed to the younger generations as drivers of such change, and encouraged students to be active in advocating for their ideas and vision for future progress.
President Sirleaf described how one must have conviction in one’s beliefs, values, courage, the ability to listen and to respect the rights of others in order to be an influential leader. Ms. Mahere and Representative Ricks added that resilience and the ability to create a collective vision were also key traits for successful leadership. As women in politics, they noted that they have had to develop very thick skin in order to rise above the hostile environments they encounter as advocates for change. Despite these challenges, all three women agreed that they view themselves as part of the longer movement toward equity and equality, and that they are proud to serve as role models and examples of accomplished female leaders.
The speakers also shared their assessment of global politics with a particular focus on Liberia and the ongoing national reconciliation process following two consecutive civil wars spanning 1989 to 2003. President Sirleaf described the challenges leaders like herself face when trying to balance the pressing need to ensure justice with long term peace and security following such devastating conflict. She expressed her hope that the most recent effort to resurrect the war crimes court might achieve this balance, highlighting the benefit of it being homegrown, meaning that it is initiated and managed by Liberians in order to heal the enduring scars from the conflict. Ms. Mahere also noted the importance of citizens taking on more active roles in shaping their own localities and nations. She described how many young people on the continent are disaffected by current leadership and poor management of resources, and that they need to be the change they want to see. At a global level, all three women affirmed the need to remain engaged, strong in one’s convictions, and inclusive of others. President Sirleaf closed by saying she looked forward to being advised by young people, such as the students, on how the world must respond to dynamic, emerging trends.