Hilary R. W. Johnson

The next most important historical figures in Liberia is a political figure, Ruth Sando Fahnbulleh Perry (16 July 1939 – 8 January 2017). Following the First Liberian Civil War, she presided as the temporary Chairman of the Council of State of Liberia from 3 September 1996 to 2 August 1997. Between 1990 and 1995, there were eleven international efforts to end the Liberian civil war, and they all seemed to be successful. Charles Taylor, the leader of the United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy-K, Alhaji Kromah, the head of the Liberia Peace Council, George Boley, and two other civilians made up the interim Council of State. Perry was renowned for becoming the first female leader of modern-day Africa, including Liberia. Another notable achievement of Liberia is the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the continent's first elected female head of state in modern times.

Ruth Perry participated in the election campaign and lobbied women to support her husband when he was running for office. The party encouraged Ruth to run for senator for their neighborhood when her husband passed away. As a candidate for the Unity Party in 1985, Perry was elected to the Liberian Senate. She held office until 1989. After that, Perry started a retail store and got involved in non-violent organizations including the Association of Social Services, Women Initiative in Liberia, Women in Action for Goodwill, and Women Initiative in Liberia that worked to put an end to the escalating Liberian Civil War.