Women in History · Head-to-head
Valentina Tereshkova vs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
No — based on their recorded years, Valentina Tereshkova (1937–) lived before Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
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Valentina Tereshkova
The first woman in space, who orbited Earth 48 times aboard Vostok 6 in 1963.
Key achievements
- Became the first woman in space, flying solo aboard Vostok 6 in June 1963
- Orbited Earth 48 times during her nearly three-day mission
- Remains the only woman to have flown a solo space mission
- Later became a prominent Soviet and Russian political figure
Fast fact
Tereshkova was selected from over four hundred applicants and trained as a cosmonaut despite having no pilot experience, working previously as a textile factory worker.
Full profile of Valentina Tereshkova →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 →Who lived first, Valentina Tereshkova or Ellen Johnson Sirleaf?
Valentina Tereshkova (1937–) lived first, before Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938), based on their recorded years.
Were Valentina Tereshkova and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf contemporaries?
No — based on their recorded years, Valentina Tereshkova (1937–) lived before Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (born 1938), and their lifetimes did not overlap.
What do Valentina Tereshkova and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have in common?
Both Valentina Tereshkova and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.