Who is she?
Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist who led the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace that helped end civil war in that country in 2003.
She was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her work for women’s rights and peace.
In 2002, Leymah and her supporters started rallying Christian and Muslim women, leading group prayers and singing, and staging highly visible protests, culminating in thousands amassing outside the residence of the president, Charles Taylor.
When the country’s warring factions met for peace talks, Leymah again led a group of women who sat in protest outside the meeting room, refusing to leave until a peace agreement was reached. The Liberia war ended weeks later.
Why should we thank her?
Leymah’s bravery and incredible leadership led directly to the end of war in her country. The women’s protests are credited with turning the tide of peace talks.
Best quote
“We are tired of war. We are tired of running. We are tired of begging for bulgur wheat. We are tired of our children being raped. We are now taking this stand, to secure the future of our children. Because we believe, as custodians of society, tomorrow our children will ask us, “Mama, what was your role during the crisis?”
suffragette city 