Iron Ladies of Liberia

After the exile of President Charles Taylor in 2003, Liberia was left with the aftermath of a 14-year civil war. In 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf– The Iron Lady– was elected as the first female president of Liberia. Siatta Scott Johnson, a journalist for the newly formed Omauhtee Africa Media, follows the first year of Sirleaf's presidency, answering the question, “How can a woman make a difference?” After her appointment, Sirleaf appoints a female-driven cabinet: her Minister of Commerce, Minister of Justice, Minister of Finance, and Chief of Police (returning from Trenton, New Jersey to assume the duties) are all women. At first the circumstances seem complicated at best, insurmountable at worst. There is systemic corruption, a $3.7 billion debt, 98% unemployment, very little running water and electricity, and friction with the international community. Is this magnitude of change even possible? Sirleaf's diplomatic skills are ultimately a lesson in conflict resolution for the world. (Liberian English and English with English subtitles) – CCP