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to write an opinion of this nature, I wanted to be sure of my facts. In the United States, our female representatives have followed in the footsteps of their predecessors who fought for equality. Yet, politics seem just a game. Many elected officials, whether male or female, find that they have to "play" the game to further their personal agenda. Yet, when I began to look around the world, I found women who did not play by the rules of the establishment. They did not play at all. They fought for their rights and the rights of the people of their countries.

Margaret Thatcher led Great Britain for 11 years of a political life that spanned over 40 years. Vigdis Finnbogadottir served four consecutive terms as the first popular elected female President of Iceland. Mary Robinson was elected President of Ireland and then served in the United Nations as High Commissioner for Human rights. All of these strong women have served as role models to both men and women in their countries and around the world. What seems to follow these women throughout their terms of leadership is their ability to confront and resolve conflicts. They garner the support of their people and fight for the promises they made.
President Sirleaf-Johnson has proven over her lifetime, that one dilemma does not put a permanent obstacle in her path. She was forced out of Liberia and into exile by the government run by Samuel Doe, but returned to speak out against that government. She was again forced to leave in exile after running for president against Charles Taylor, and then being accused of treason. Yet, this woman fought back and returned to her homeland once more.
After her inauguration in January 2006, attended by United States First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice, President Sirleaf-Johnson, was invited to address the United States Congress. She spoke with the conviction of a woman with a plan and the authority bestowed upon her by the people of Liberia. More recently, she followed through with that conviction and requested the extradition of Charles Taylor, from Nigeria to face the charges of war crimes. She promised he would "face justice."
The tradition and legacy of great women in power is long and growing longer. Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson is only the latest, but her past speaks of a promising future.

Learn more about this author, RC Shivers.
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