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Nobel peace prize winners (2011): Gbowee & Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Photo courtesy: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images |
Civil war and unrest ravaged Liberia for over a decade until Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee led peaceful protests which turned into a campaign; thousands brought their message to Monrovia. The mass movement (compromised mainly of Liberian women) ultimately removed tyrannical ex-President Charles Taylor from power in Liberia. In 2003, peace was achieved in the region. Fast forward to 2011. Gbowee along with current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf were honored by the Nobel Committee for their combined efforts to erradicate women's suffrage. During an exclusive post award interview with BBC's Focus on Africa program, Ms. Gbowee expressed "This is a victory for women's rights everywhere in the world" and being "confused", "humbled" and for the first time in her life "out of words". Meanwhile, Taylor is on trial for war crimes charges.
Book Tour
In the interest of promoting global awareness and activism Gbowee wrote Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War; a book chronicling the women's movement to bring peace back to Liberia. She recently completed her book tour here in the United States. Notably, Gbowee is the focus of the award-winning documentary, Pray the Devil Back to Hell -- a poignant account of Liberia's recent history.
Congratulations, Ms. Gbowee, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf....congratulations Liberia!
