Tawakkul Karman

Tawakkul Karman was born on February 7, 1979, in Taiz, Yemen. She grew up in a politically active family; her father was a prominent politician. Karman later became a journalist and human rights activist, advocating for women's rights, freedom of expression, and change in Yemen. Her early life experiences shaped her career as an activist and her commitment to social justice.

In 2005, Tawakkul Karman co-founded Women Journalists Without Chains, an organization aimed at promoting freedom of expression and democratic rights. The organization became a voice for numerous journalists who faced repression in Yemen and provided a platform to advocate for press freedom, while also pushing for political reform and justice, reflecting Karman's dedication to these causes.

On January 23, 2011, Tawakkul Karman was arrested by the Yemeni government for her leading role in the protests against President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime. Her arrest sparked widespread outrage and highlighted her crucial role in Yemen's protest movement, and she became known as a symbol of the struggle for democracy in her country.

On October 7, 2011, Tawakkul Karman was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the first Yemeni, the first Arab woman, and the second Muslim woman to receive the award. She shared the prize with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee for their non-violent struggle for women's safety and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work. This accolade highlighted her significant impact as a leader in the Arab Spring.

In 2013, Tawakkul Karman established the Tawakkul Karman Foundation, aimed at promoting democracy, peace, and human rights through sustainable development, advocacy, and dialogue. The foundation champions educational opportunities and empowers youth and women to drive societal change, reflecting Karman's commitment to building a just and equitable society.

In 2018, Tawakkul Karman was appointed to Facebook's Oversight Board, an independent body tasked with making consequential content moderation decisions on the platform. Her appointment underscored her stature as a globally recognized advocate for human rights and free expression, bringing her longstanding experience and perspective on social justice to a technological and social media context.

In 2019, Tawakkul Karman published her book 'Revolution Without Breaking', which chronicles her journey of activism during Yemen's Arab Spring. The book provides insights into her personal experiences and her role as a leader in the struggle for freedom and democracy. Karman's narrative highlights the challenges faced by activists and the power of peaceful protest.

In 2020, Tawakkul Karman delivered a lecture at Harvard University, discussing the role of women in peacebuilding and the challenges they face in conflict zones. Her lecture was part of Harvard's efforts to increase awareness of global issues and featured her renowned insights into the intersections of gender, politics, and advocacy for societal transformation.

In 2021, Tawakkul Karman vocalized strong support for Afghan women following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's return to power. She called for international action to protect Afghan women's rights and underscored the need for global solidarity with those who continue to face oppression. Her leadership continued to inspire efforts for peace and justice beyond Yemen.

In 2022, Tawakkul Karman delivered a speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights amid global challenges. She highlighted the ongoing struggles for freedom and justice in Yemen and internationally, bringing attention to the plight of those suffering under authoritarian regimes.