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Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, emphasized that “power is about service” during her keynote address at the Nalafem Summit in Freetown on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Speaking as the Guest of Honor, Sirleaf asserted that true power is not an end in itself but must be purposed to transform lives, influence systems, and inspire others to build lasting legacies. She highlighted that people elect leaders based on their belief in their ability to enact change.
In a one-on-one discussion with Nalafem Founder and President Aya Chebbi, Sirleaf encouraged women to embrace leadership unapologetically, stressing that “you don’t have to change yourself to be accepted by others” and that being a woman does not diminish one’s capacity to lead. She defined courage as the ability to pursue goals despite obstacles, acknowledging barriers yet pressing forward.
Also addressing the summit via video, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the Nations and Nalafem Champion, underscored 2025 as a pivotal year for accelerating gender equality.
She noted that women are now “creating tables that are more diverse and inclusive” rather than simply demanding a seat. Mohammed urged women to remain bold, focused, and united in driving global transformation.
The Nalafem Summit, convened by the Nalafem Collective and hosted by Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, gathers 100 leaders from across Africa, including government ministers, parliamentarians, youth leaders, activists, and survivors. The summit’s theme is “From Representation to Power: Women Leading in Crisis & Peace.”
