The victory of Africa's first female elected head of state resonates with women around the world.

But even after the celebrations die down among women's-rights advocate groups, another clear message remains in the election of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as Liberia's president.

It signals that voters in this troubled nation rank competence over celebrity as a presidential prerequisite: The "Iron Lady" bested her opponent, soccer millionaire George Weah, 60 percent to 40.

Johnson-Sirleaf, 67, former finance minister, at first asserted her puzzlement at being lionized as the latest feminist champion, characterizing herself as a technocrat. Upon her acceptance, however, she acknowledged the election's "historic" importance on a continent where the status of women unarguably must be improved.

The surest way to advance their interests is that Johnson-Sirleaf hold fast to those technocratic skills, honed through her jobs at the United Nations, World Bank and Citigroup.

After decades of underdevelopment, corrupt government and civil conflict, Liberia needs nothing more than professionalism in its executive office.

Johnson-Sirleaf must compose a government of similarly qualified leaders, not cronies. Her success in the face of monumental challenges will further the status of women more than fiery speeches.