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Iron Ladies of Liberia
Country:United States of America
Director:Daniel Junge
Program:Contemporary World Cinema
Year:
2007
Summary:
In 2005, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf won the presidential elections in Liberia in an overwhelming victory, making her the first female president in Africa. Following her first year in office, the president faces a daunting task. After 14 years of civil war the country is on the verge of moral and financial ruin. Unemployment and poverty are rampant, the country is corrupt up to the highest levels while facing a towering burden of debt. Johnson-Sirleaf appoints a number of women to high posts, such as the Chief of Police and the Ministers of Finance and Trade. Gradually, she gains the trust of not only the population but also of former rebel leaders. Despite a series of setbacks, the hope of a peaceful democracy in Liberia is growing.
