A Yemeni journalist and activist who became the first Arab woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her non-violent struggle for women's rights and democracy. She is a prominent figure in the Arab Spring movement.
Tawakkol Karman is a Yemeni Nobel Laureate, journalist, politician, and human rights activist who has been at the forefront of promoting democracy and social change in Yemen. She is renowned for leading the group Women Journalists Without Chains, which she co-founded in 2005, and for being a key figure in the 2011 Yemeni uprising, earning her the nickname "The Iron Woman" and "Mother of the Revolution."
Tawakkol Karman was born on February 7, 1979, in Sharab As Salam, Taiz Governorate, Yemen. She grew up in a family that valued education and was encouraged to pursue her passion for learning from a young age. Karman studied in Taiz and later became a journalist, using her platform to advocate for human rights and social justice.
Karman gained prominence in Yemen after 2005, when she began advocating for a mobile phone news service that was denied a license. She led protests for press freedom, which eventually expanded to include calls for broader reform in the country. In 2011, she redirected her efforts to support the Arab Spring, which led to widespread protests across the Middle East.
In 2011, Karman was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Leymah Gbowee and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for her non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work. She became the first Yemeni, the first Arab woman, and the second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Karman is a strong believer in the power of non-violent protest and has dedicated her life to promoting democracy, human rights, and social justice. She has been quoted as saying, "The solution to our problems lies in our own hands, not in the hands of others." Her philosophy is centered around empowering individuals, particularly women, to take action and create positive change in their communities.
Karman's work has had a significant impact on modern society, inspiring a new generation of human rights activists and democrats. Her courageous stance against oppression and her tireless advocacy for social justice have made her a role model for women and men around the world.
Karman is married to Mohammed al-Nahmi and has three children. Her family has been a source of strength and support throughout her career, allowing her to continue her work despite facing numerous challenges and threats.
Tawakkol Karman's legacy is one of courage, determination, and a commitment to promoting human rights and social justice. Her work continues to inspire people around the world, and her Nobel Peace Prize serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a better future for all.
28 Years Old
A courageous advocate for girls' education, particularly in her native Swat Valley, who survived a Taliban assassination attempt and continues to inspire global change through her activism and writing.
53 Years Old
A Liberian peace activist who led a women's movement that helped end the Second Liberian Civil War, earning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
78 Years Old
A pioneering Iranian lawyer, judge, and activist who fought for human rights and democracy, especially for women and children, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.
80 Years Old
A democracy icon and human rights activist, she led the fight against Myanmar's military rule and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991.
66 Years Old
A Guatemalan indigenous rights activist and politician who fought for social justice and peace, particularly for the rights of indigenous peoples, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.
81 Years Old
A celebrated author of lyrical and introspective fiction, exploring themes of family, relationships, and the human condition, with a distinctive, poetic writing style.
82 Years Old
A Northern Irish peace activist who led a grassroots movement to end sectarian violence in her country, earning her a Nobel Peace Prize in 1976.