Women in History · Head-to-head
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf vs Wangari Maathai
No — based on their recorded years, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938) lived before Wangari Maathai (1940–2011), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018, becoming the first elected female head of state in Africa, and shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work toward peace and women's rights.
Key achievements
- Became the first elected female head of state in Africa upon taking office in 2006.
- Led Liberia's recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Second Liberian Civil War.
- Worked closely with peace activist Leymah Gbowee to promote women's inclusion in governance.
- Shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman.
Fast fact
Sirleaf's 2005 election made her the first woman ever elected as a head of state in Africa, and she went on to lead Liberia's recovery efforts following years of devastating civil war.
Full profile of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf →Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai was a Kenyan environmental and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement and became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
Key achievements
- Founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, focused on tree planting and conservation.
- Became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
- Combined environmental activism with advocacy for women's rights and civic education.
- Served as a member of the Kenyan Parliament and as an assistant minister.
Fast fact
Maathai's Green Belt Movement, which she founded in 1977, has been responsible for planting tens of millions of trees across Kenya, combining environmental restoration with grassroots women's empowerment.
Full profile of Wangari Maathai →Who lived first, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or Wangari Maathai?
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938) lived first, before Wangari Maathai (1940–2011), based on their recorded years.
Were Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Wangari Maathai contemporaries?
No — based on their recorded years, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938) lived before Wangari Maathai (1940–2011), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
What do Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Wangari Maathai have in common?
Both Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Wangari Maathai are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.