Ruth Perry facts for kids

Ruth Sando Fahnbulleh Perry (born July 16, 1939 – died January 8, 2017) was an important Liberian politician. She became the temporary leader of Liberia after a long and difficult civil war. From September 3, 1996, to August 2, 1997, she served as the Chairman of the Council of State. This council was a group of leaders who helped run the country during a time of peace-building.

Many people remember Ruth Perry because she was the first female president of Liberia. She was also the first woman to lead a country in modern Africa. Liberia later elected Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who became the first elected female African leader.

Early Life and Education

Ruth Perry was born on July 16, 1939, in a countryside area of Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia. Her parents were Marjon and AlHaji Semila Fahnbulleh. She was from the Vai people and followed the Muslim faith.

As a child, Ruth learned about her culture in the Sande society. This was a special traditional school and secret group for girls. She also went to a regular Roman Catholic school in Monrovia, run by nuns. After high school, Ruth Perry went to the Teachers College at the University of Liberia. She then worked as a teacher for young children in her home county.

Ruth married McDonald Perry, who was a judge and a lawmaker. They had seven children together. Later, in 1971, she worked at Chase Manhattan Bank in Monrovia. She also became an elder and taught at a Sande school.

Ruth Perry's Political Journey

Ruth Perry first got involved in politics by helping her husband. She encouraged women to vote for him during his election campaigns. After her husband passed away, his political party asked Ruth to run for senator in their home area.

In 1985, Ruth Perry won a seat in the Liberian Senate. She ran as a candidate for the Unity Party. At that time, many politicians from other parties decided to protest. They believed the government was not fair and refused to be part of the Senate. However, Ruth Perry chose not to join the boycott. She was the only opposition member who stayed in the Assembly. She believed that "You can't solve the problems by staying away." She served in the Senate until 1989.

After leaving the Senate, Ruth Perry started her own business. She also became very active in groups that wanted to end the growing Liberian Civil War. These groups included Women Initiative in Liberia and Women in Action for Goodwill.

Leading Liberia: 1996–1997

Liberia had been in conflict for 17 years, with 7 years of full-scale war. On August 17, 1996, a group called the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) helped bring peace. They arranged a cease-fire, which meant the fighting would stop. They also announced that Ruth Perry would become the new leader of the temporary government. She would replace Wilton Sankawulo as the Chairman of the Council of State.

All the main leaders of the fighting groups in Liberia agreed to this peace plan. Ruth Perry had returned from a short time away in Staten Island, New York, to take on this important role. Her job was to guide Liberia towards lasting peace and new elections.

Later Years and Legacy

After her time as interim leader ended, Ruth Perry lived between Liberia and the United States. In 2004, she was a special guest at Boston University. She was an "African President-in-Residence" at their African Presidential Archives and Research Center.

Ruth Perry passed away on January 8, 2017, when she was 77 years old. She is remembered for her courage and for being a pioneering female leader in Africa.

See also

In Spanish: Ruth Perry para niños