Leymah Gbowee

In 2008, Leymah Gbowee founded the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. This movement was pivotal in ending the Second Liberian Civil War. It brought together Christian and Muslim women who prayed and protested in the streets, demanding a resolution to the conflict. Their relentless campaigning led to peace talks which eventually resulted in a peace agreement. This initiative demonstrated the significant impact of nonviolent activism and the power of women's collective action in changing political landscapes. Gbowee's leadership and the movement's success became a catalyst for peace activism worldwide, receiving widespread recognition and inspiring similar movements in other conflict regions.

On March 15, 2011, Leymah Gbowee delivered a compelling TED Talk titled "Unlock the Intelligence, Passion, Greatness of Girls". In her talk, she discussed the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of girls globally, arguing that girls should be encouraged and supported to unlock their full potential. Gbowee highlighted stories of young women whose potential was unleashed and how that had a transformative impact. Her speech emphasized the critical role women and girls play in fostering social change, advocating for more inclusive policies, and calling for systemic changes to allow the free expression and participation of women in all spheres of life.

On October 7, 2011, Leymah Gbowee was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, alongside Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkol Karman, for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work. Gbowee's efforts in leading a peace movement that helped end Liberia's civil war were internationally recognized. Her leadership of the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, which crossed religious and ethnic lines to demand peace and the disarmament of both rebels and government forces, was central to her receiving this honor. The Nobel Committee noted her 'courageous leadership' as an inspiring example.

In 2012, Leymah Gbowee founded the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa. The foundation focuses on empowering women through education and leadership development, as well as supporting other peace-building initiatives across Africa. It aims to support young women by providing them with scholarships and various leadership development opportunities, promoting gender equality and building sustainable peace. The foundation is part of Gbowee's larger vision to create a cadre of women leaders who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the continent's development. Gbowee has continued to champion peace and women's rights through this foundation.

In April 2013, Leymah Gbowee published her memoir, "Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War", detailing her harrowing and inspiring work as a peace activist. The book recounts Gbowee's personal struggles and the powerful role she played in the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, providing insight into the movement that changed the course of Liberian history and set a precedent for women’s activism globally. The memoir became an important document capturing the grassroots non-violent activism that challenged oppressive systems and brought about significant political change in Liberia.

In September 2014, during the height of the Ebola crisis, Leymah Gbowee took an advocacy role to call for global action and support for those affected by the Ebola outbreak that devastated West Africa. She highlighted the need for effective healthcare systems and international cooperation to address the crisis, emphasizing the role of local community support and women’s involvement in managing and mitigating the effects of the epidemic. Gbowee's advocacy extended to urging more robust international responses, as well as continued support post-crisis for rebuilding the affected regions. Her call for action was seen as crucial in garnering international support for the crisis.

On April 11, 2016, Leymah Gbowee was honored with the Global Leadership Award by Vital Voices. This award recognized her relentless commitment to peacebuilding and women's empowerment not only in Liberia but globally. Vital Voices acknowledged Gbowee's leadership, advocacy for women's rights, and her role in inspiring a new generation of female leaders. The award celebrated her impact and influence as a global role model for change, peace, and social justice. Gbowee’s work continues to resonate across borders, encouraging women to rise in pursuit of equality and peace.

In August 2018, Leymah Gbowee was appointed as a member of the African Women Leaders Network. The network aims to enhance the leadership of African women in bringing transformative shifts to the continent. As a member, Gbowee continues to advocate for women's rights, peace, and security, working alongside other esteemed female leaders to push for equality and inclusive governance. The network collaborates with various stakeholders to create opportunities and platforms for women leaders to influence policy decisions and community initiatives. Gbowee's involvement reflects her dedication to empowering African women and fostering sustainable development.

On October 11, 2019, Leymah Gbowee delivered a keynote address at the Oslo Freedom Forum. In her speech, she focused on the power of grassroots movements and nonviolent resistance in challenging oppressive regimes. Gbowee shared insights from her experience leading the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace and emphasized the need for unity and persistence in the face of tyranny. Her speech drew attention to women's unique role in peacebuilding and underscored the importance of courage and solidarity in the struggle for justice and freedom. The forum highlighted her as a key figure in global peace efforts, inspiring activists worldwide.

In February 2021, Leymah Gbowee co-founded the Liberian Women Leaders Network, an initiative to bring together women from various sectors in Liberia to foster collaboration and support among female leaders. The network's goal is to enhance women's participation in governance and decision-making processes, providing a platform for mentorship and capacity-building. Gbowee's involvement in creating this network highlights her continued commitment to women's empowerment and leadership. The network seeks to address the systemic challenges women face and to strengthen women's roles in Liberia's socio-political landscape, promoting inclusion and gender equality.