How rare and extraordinary it is to see not one but three women honored with Nobel Peace Prize in the same year.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian Leymah Gbowee and Tawakul Karman of Yemen (above, l-r) join the special ranks of only 15 women, including Mother Teresa, to be awarded the prestigious prize.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the three, who will share a $1.5M purse, for their “non-violent struggle” for women’s rights. “We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women achieve the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society,” Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland said.
As noted in the committee announcement, Sirleaf is Africa’s first democratically elected female president. Since her 2006, she has contributed to securing peace in Liberia, promoting economic and social development, and strengthening the position of women.
Fellow Liberian Gbowee mobilized and organized women across ethnic and religious lines to bring an end to war in Liberia. She ensured women’s participation in elections and has worked to enhance the influence of women in West Africa.
Co-prize winner Tawakkul Karman has played a leading role in the struggle for women’s rights, democracy and peace in Yemen before and during the Arab Spring or unrest in several Arab countries.
Despite war, upheaval and death threats, these audacious women pressed forward to create better conditions in their respective countries. Their courage and commitment are commendable and worthy of international recognition.