Born: February 1, 1972 (Central Liberia)
Biography:
Leymah Roberta Gbowee, born on February 1, 1972, in central Liberia, is a prominent Liberian peace activist known for her instrumental role in leading a women’s nonviolent peace movement, Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. Her tireless efforts and leadership played a crucial role in bringing an end to the brutal Second Liberian Civil War in 2003.
Gbowee’s life was deeply impacted by the outbreak of the First Liberian Civil War in 1989 when she was just 17 years old. As chaos engulfed the country, she, along with her parents and two younger sisters, found themselves living in Monrovia. However, amidst the turmoil, Gbowee discovered an UNICEF program that provided training to social workers to offer counseling to those affected by the war. This training served as a turning point in her life, as it not only equipped her with the skills to help others but also made her confront her own painful experiences of abuse at the hands of her children’s father.
In search of safety and sustenance for her family, Gbowee followed her partner to Ghana, where they lived as refugees, facing extreme poverty and hunger. Facing dire circumstances, she made the courageous decision to return to Liberia with her three children, despite the ongoing conflict. Back in Liberia, Gbowee’s determination to create a better future for her family led her to become a volunteer for the Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program (THRP), a project of the Lutheran Church. This marked the beginning of her journey as a peace activist.
Gbowee’s involvement with the THRP allowed her to witness the devastating impact of war on the people of Liberia firsthand and motivated her to take action. Her relentless pursuit of education led her to earn an associate of arts degree in social work from the Mother Patern College of Health Sciences in 2001. Armed with her newfound knowledge and a burning desire for peace, Gbowee began mobilizing and organizing women from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds to advocate for peace in Liberia.
In 2002, Gbowee founded the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, a movement that united women across Liberia to demand an end to the violence plaguing their nation. Under her leadership, thousands of women, dressed in white, peacefully protested and held demonstrations, speaking out against the war and calling for the disarmament of militias. Their powerful collective action caught the attention of the international community and put pressure on the warring factions to negotiate for peace.
Gbowee’s efforts, coupled with the diplomatic expertise of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, then a candidate for presidency, helped bring about a resolution to the conflict. The movement led by Gbowee and the subsequent peace talks paved the way for a free and fair election in 2005, which saw Sirleaf become the first female elected head of state in Africa.
Gbowee’s impact on society extended beyond Liberia’s borders. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to peace-building and women’s rights, Gbowee, along with Sirleaf and Tawakkul Karman, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. The Nobel Committee acknowledged their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work. This prestigious honor further elevated Gbowee’s status as an inspirational figure and global advocate for peace.
Throughout her life, Leymah Gbowee has faced immense challenges and overcome tremendous obstacles. Her determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace have not only transformed her own life but also made an indelible impact on the lives of countless women and the future trajectory of Liberia. Gbowee’s story serves as a testament to the power of grassroots movements, peaceful activism, and the pivotal role that women play in shaping history.