Monrovia, Liberia — June 14, 2026: At the 2026 Amujae Leadership Forum, hosted by the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) in Monrovia this week, Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf offered Amujae Leaders a framework for leadership built on nine qualities she has observed in women who have risen to positions of influence and created lasting change: purpose, knowledge, self-confidence, collaboration, truth and integrity, courage, determination, compassion, and faith.
Delivering the keynote address on the first day of the two-day Forum, Madam Sirleaf described purpose as the foundation of meaningful leadership, urging Amujae Leaders to define what drives them beyond titles and positions. She spoke of knowledge gained not only through formal education but through listening to communities and lived experience, and of self-confidence balanced with humility. Collaboration, she said, is what separates lasting leadership from individual achievement. In her words, “…no leader succeeds alone, and effective leaders mentor others and prepare the next generation to continue the work.”
Reflecting on her own presidency, including the loss of her first presidential election, Former President Sirleaf spoke candidly about courage, determination, and the setbacks that shape leaders willing to persevere. She described compassion as essential to remaining connected to the people leaders serve, and faith, whether rooted in religion or personal conviction, as the strength to keep believing in possibilities not yet visible. She closed with a direct challenge to the cohort: “Be yourself.” Stand firmly in your values, she told them, defend what is right, and lead with integrity.
Opening the Forum, EJS Center Executive Director, Ellen Pratt-Harris, welcomed Amujae Leaders to Monrovia, noting that the journey from vision to leadership is defined not by talent or opportunity alone, but by the courage to act, lead, and create change. She described Liberia as a fitting setting for the gathering, calling it “a testament to what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead,” and reminded Amujae Leaders that the Forum was designed not merely as a personal development opportunity but as a space for reflection, dialogue, and the relationships needed to sustain them through future challenges.
The Forum welcomed Amujae Leaders from fourteen countries across Africa, representing different sectors; politics, public administration, academia, entrepreneurship, civil society, and local government. Held under the EJS Center’s flagship Amujae Initiative, the two-day gathering also included a panel discussion titled “Amujae in Liberia: Leadership in Practice,” featuring Amujae Leaders from earlier cohorts based in Liberia: Hon. Cornelia Kruah, Minister of Youth and Sports; Ms. Telia Urey, CEO of Cape Mano Group; Cllr. Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor, distinguished Lawyer and Women’s Rights Activist; and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, Judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. The conversation was moderated by Madonna Kendona, the Center’s Director of Programs. The panelists reflected on how the Amujae network had shaped their own careers: from navigating electoral defeat to securing appointments, and they echoed Former President Sirleaf’s message, urging the incoming cohort of Amujae Leaders to stay grounded in purpose and community.
The Forum’s second day featured closed coaching sessions, dedicated time with Madam Sirleaf, and a fireside chat on “Liberian Women Leaders on the Global Stage” with H.E. Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Hon. Olubanke King-Akerele, Hon. Marjon Kamara, and Ms. Korto Reeves Williams of ActionAid International, moderated by Ellen Pratt-Harris. The Forum concluded with a sashing ceremony formally welcoming the new fifth cohort of Amujae Leaders into the Initiative.
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About the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development
Founded in 2018 by Africa’s first democratically elected woman president and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the EJS Center works to advance women’s public leadership across Africa. Through our flagship initiatives, we champion women’s ascension to the highest levels of public leadership — amplifying their voices, fostering excellence, and challenging the systemic barriers that hold them back. Discover our work: www.ejscenter.org
Media Contact: nngunyam@ejscenter.org