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''The Iron Ladies of Liberia'' (2007) is an independently produced documentary film that gives behind-the-scenes access to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's first year in government. Johnson-Sirleaf is Africa's first female president. ==Synopsis== The film opens with journalist Siatta Scott Johnson's narration over Johnson-Sirleaf's inauguration on 16 January 2006. Among the distinguished guests in attendance are the then first lady of the USA Laura Bush, secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, and South African president Thabo Mbeki. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first ever freely elected female head of state in Africa. Momentarily archive footage is shown of events in Liberia during the 14 year civil war—scenes of public executions, child soldiers and maimed victims–scenes reoccurring briefly throughout the documentary. Then the president's cabinet is shown, Sirleaf appoints women in high administrative posts dubbed “the Iron Ladies”; Beatrice Munah Sieh is appointed the national chief of police, Antoinette Sayeh is appointed the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Commerce too are women. Johnson-Sirleaf discloses the disadvantaged position of Liberia, having inherited weak institutions as a result of the civil war for instance; the ministry of finance is systematically corrupt and only has a very small budget, and the police lack basic resources such as weapons. Concerning corruption, Johnson-Sirleaf intends to have zero tolerance. External footage of the legacy of former president Charles Taylor’s civil war is shown. Johnson-Sirleaf laments that Taylor loyalists are a constant threat to the stability of Liberia. Siatta Scott Johnson investigates public opinion with regard to the two governments and finds a divided sentiment between the people. In her efforts to make inclusive decisions, Johnson-Sirleaf meets with former rebel leaders and other opposition leaders at state of the nation meetings. In spite of her efforts towards inclusiveness Edwin Snowe, who was elected spokesperson for the House of Representatives on the same day Johnson-Sirleaf took office, is seen as an outspoken critic of the president, relentlessly seeking political allies to call for the president’s impeachment. Antoinette Sayeh travels to Washington DC to speak at the World Bank Headquarters on Liberian’s outstanding debt, $3.7 billion owned to creditors such as the IMF, The World Bank and the USA, the latter being the oldest bilateral partner due to their historical ties. The debt is a deterrent to the country’s ability to raise new financing from multi-lateral institutions. Back in Liberia Johnson-Sirleaf personally responds to angry mobs of workers and reformed soldiers, including Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers who were forced out of work due to the peace agreement, demanding higher salaries and pensions respectively by speaking candidly on the government’s limitations, instead of making the typical empty political promises. Towards the end of her first year as president and influx of Chinese investment is made explicit, the film shows a montage of infra-structures built by the Chinese, the new partnership is marked by an official visit form president Hu Jintao. Meanwhile Condoleezza Rice representing the USA at the Liberia partners’ forum 2007, announces a cancellation of the $391 million debt. This becomes the most important achievement of Johnson-Sirleaf’s first year in office. The film concludes on a positive note, with Johnson-Sirleaf’s voice commentary over images of her waving at the crowd during open presidencies, juxtaposed with images of women chanting and cheering for the president. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Iron Ladies of Liberia」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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