Why Famous:Sirleaf became the world's first elected black female president and Africa's first elected female head of state when she took office as the President of Liberia (2006).
After signing a Freedom of Information bill, she has become a global icon due to her commitment to fighting dictators, corruption and poverty through the empowerment of women.
In 2011 Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for her nonviolent role in promoting peace, democracy and gender equality.
