Africa’s ‘Iron Lady’ to Deliver ‘Emerging Voices’ Keynote

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman to be elected head of state of an African country—and the recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize—will deliver the keynote address during today’s Emerging Voices: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging plenary at 10:30 a.m. PT.

“At the APA Annual Meeting, we celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and resilience that defines Africa—qualities especially embodied by the strength of African women,” Sirleaf told Psychiatric News via email. “Through the transformative power of collaboration, we are committed to advancing mental health care and upholding the rights and dignity of our people.”

The granddaughter of a traditional chief of renown in western Liberia and a market woman from the southeast, Sirleaf studied in the United States, including receiving a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She began working in Libera’s government in the 1970s but was forced into exile in 1985 after she criticized the military dictatorship of Samuel K. Doe. During her exile, Liberia collapsed into civil war.

In 2005, Sirleaf successfully ran for president, promising to end civil strife and rebuild the country. Known as the “Iron Lady,” she was sworn in as president in 2006.

During her presidency, Sirleaf created peace and economic progress for Liberia, strengthened women’s rights, fought corruption, and expanded freedom of speech. She also led the country through the West African Ebola crisis from 2013 to 2016, and signed the country’s first Mental Health Act to improve health care for people with mental illness and prevent discrimination against them.

“This legislation was designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, challenge outdated beliefs—including the attribution of psychiatric conditions to ‘witchcraft’ in some parts of society—and improve access to quality mental health care,” Sirleaf said. “I championed this legislation because I firmly believe that every individual deserves compassionate, high-quality mental health care, free from discrimination.”

During her talk, Sirleaf will draw on her experience in advocating for women’s rights to discuss the importance of uplifting women’s voices in health care policy and practice—one of the primary challenges to which are the deeply entrenched cultural biases and systemic barriers that limit access to education and professional opportunities. “Additionally, the persistent undervaluation of women’s contributions further impedes their advancement into leadership positions,” Sirleaf said. “Addressing these issues is essential to creating a more inclusive and dynamic leadership landscape.

“Women bring unique perspectives and experiences that are vital in shaping inclusive, effective health care policies,” she continued. “Their insights ensure that services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of entire communities, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and responsive health system.”

In 2011, Sirleaf along with Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni pro-democracy advocate Tawakkul Karmān jointly received the Nobel Prize for Peace for their efforts to further women’s rights. Additionally, in 2007, Sirleaf received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom for her courage and commitment to expanding freedom and improving the lives of Africans. ■