At the ceremonies last night three women took center stage to accept the 2011 Nobel Peace Price. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, 73; Leymah Gbowee, 39, a social worker and a peace activist; and Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni journalist and a political activist who, at 32, were all recognized for their non-violent struggle against injustice, sexual violence and repression on the backdrops of the Arab Spring and democratic progress in Africa.
In her address, Mrs. Sirleaf said:
In its selection this year, the Nobel Committee has brought here three women linked by their commitment to change, and by their efforts to promote the rule of law and democracy in societies torn apart by conflict. The fact that we — two women from Liberia — are here today to share a stage with a sister from Yemen speaks to the universality of our struggle.
I urge my sisters, and my brothers, not to be afraid. Be not afraid to denounce injustice, though you may be outnumbered. Be not afraid to seek peace, even if your voice may be small. Be not afraid to demand peace.