Leymah Gbowee is a renowned Liberian peace activist whose career has been marked by her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and peace-building. As the founder and president of the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa, established in 2012, she has dedicated her efforts to providing educational and leadership opportunities for girls and women in Liberia. Her foundation plays a crucial role in empowering the next generation of female leaders, fostering a culture of peace and resilience in a post-conflict society.
Gbowee’s impactful journey began with her involvement in the Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program, where she worked to rehabilitate ex-child soldiers and address the psychological scars left by the civil war. This experience ignited her passion for peace activism, leading her to co-found the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET). Under her leadership, WIPNET mobilized thousands of women across Liberia, uniting them in a powerful non-violent movement that significantly contributed to the end of the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003.
Her efforts were recognized globally when she, along with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for their non-violent struggle for women’s rights and participation in peace-building. Gbowee’s advocacy extends beyond Liberia; she has served as a global ambassador for Oxfam and has spoken at numerous international forums, emphasizing the importance of women’s roles in conflict resolution.
In addition to her activism, Gbowee has held various leadership positions, including serving as the executive director of the Women Peace and Security Network Africa and as a Distinguished Fellow in Social Justice at Barnard College. Her contributions to peace-building and women’s empowerment continue to inspire and mobilize communities worldwide.