"I was the first woman president of an African nation, and I do believe more countries ought to try that," says H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel laureate and former president of Liberia. Telling the story of how Liberian women helped rebuild their country after years of civil war, Sirleaf discusses why gender equality is essential to peace and prosperity -- and shares her plan to uplift a generation of women prepared to take leadership positions and catalyze social change.

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: How women will lead us to freedom, justice and peace

How women will lead us to freedom, justice and peace

Championing women in strategic roles, Liberia's progress highlights the vital role of gender equity in national development.

Liberia's first female president led debt-relief efforts, achieving a peak economic growth of 9%, and restoring national credibility.

Emphasizing gender equity, Liberia appointed women in key roles, significantly improving safety, economic, and social conditions.