Quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: “We must empower the poor, particularly women, to become agents of their own change.”

This quote emphasizes that ending poverty isn't about charity, but about giving marginalized people, especially women, the tools and power to improve their own lives. It encourages recognizing individuals as active participants in their own progress.

During a period when global development efforts were intensified, Sirleaf often spoke at international forums, advocating for approaches that focused on grassroots empowerment to address poverty effectively.

Liberian politician who became Africa's first elected female head of state when she was inaugurated as President of Liberia in 2006. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work on gender equality and women's participation in peacebuilding. She served two terms and oversaw Liberia's recovery from civil war.