Leymah Roberta Gbowee, renowned for her role in leading the
Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, emerged as a pivotal figure in ending
the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003. Collaborating with Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf, their efforts not only brought about peace but also facilitated the
successful conduct of free elections in 2005.
Gbowee's impact extended beyond Liberia, as she gained
prominence within the philanthropic community, notably through her close
association with Disney. This connection opened doors to a multitude of
prestigious awards, starting with the John F. Kennedy School of Government at
Harvard in 2006, followed by acknowledgments from Women's eNews, the Gruber
Prize for Women's Rights, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, and the
Living Legends Award for Service to Humanity, among others.
Eastern Mennonite University further honored her as their
"Alumna of the Year" in July 2011, underscoring her lasting influence
on education and peace advocacy.
The apex of Gbowee's achievements came with her selection as
one of three female recipients of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian
Nobel Committee. Her enduring commitment to nonviolent activism was recognized
once again in 2022 when she served as a Bartels World Affairs Fellow at Cornell
University, delivering the annual Bartels World Affairs Lecture.
Gbowee's inclusion among Africa's most impactful
change-makers attests to her profound legacy of fostering peace and advancing
women's rights, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape of social
justice and human rights.
