Leymah

Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and women's rights advocate known for her pivotal role in ending Liberia’s civil war and promoting peace and reconciliation. Born on February 1, 1972, in Central Liberia, she became recognized internationally for her leadership in mobilizing women across ethnic and religious divides to demand peace and accountability.

In the early 2000s, Gbowee co-founded the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, a movement that united women in nonviolent protests, prayer, and advocacy. Their efforts contributed significantly to the peace process that culminated in the 2003 Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended more than a decade of civil conflict. Her activism not only helped halt the violence but also facilitated the establishment of a transitional government and the subsequent elections.

Gbowee’s leadership extended beyond Liberia’s peace accords. She has worked with various international organizations, including the Nobel Peace Laureates, and has championed issues related to women’s empowerment, conflict resolution, and post-conflict recovery. In 2011, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman, recognized for their nonviolent struggle for the safety of women and for the rights of women to participate in peacebuilding.

She is also the founder of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, which aims to empower young women and girls through education, leadership, and community development initiatives. Gbowee continues to advocate for peace, justice, and gender equality both in Liberia and globally. Her work exemplifies the power of grassroots activism in transforming conflict and fostering sustainable peace.

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