Leymah Gbowee: A voice for equality
“Sometimes, people call my way of speaking ranting. Why are you always ranting and screaming, they ask. But here’s the thing ... the reason why I rant is because I am a voice for many women that cannot speak out to heads of state, UN officials, and those that influence systems of oppression. And so I rant. And I will not stop ranting until my mission of equality of all girls is achieved.”
Leymah Gbowee, Liberian, fighting for equality, a woman who continues to inspire people today. She is one of the many leaders who stepped up to make their goal a reality. She’s a role model, a believer, and an achiever.
Leymah has inspired many girls and women. Leymah Gbowee is a peace activist and a women’s right advocate. She started a foundation called the Gbowee Peace Foundation, where here women unite to fight for their rights in a peaceful way. Her biggest accomplishment was when she united Muslim and Christian women to fight the Second Liberian Civil War in peace.
She stated: “We are tired of war. We are tired of running. We are tired of begging for bulgur wheat. We are tired of out children being raped. We
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are taking a stand, to secure the future of our children. Because we believe as custodians of our society. Tomorrow our children will ask us ‘Mama, What was your role during the crisis.’ Since they did that, it helped the war end!”
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her achievements. Meanwhile, she continued to build a women’s agency in fighting for peace. She is very inspirational person and we should all appreciate for what she has done!
Like Leymah Gbowee once said, “Don’t wait for Gandhi, don’t wait for Mandela, Don’t wait for King. You are your own Mandela, you are your own King!
I admire Leymah, and the accomplishments she achieved. Her speeches, quotes and rants inspire me to speak out, and help others. She wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right, and she fought for peace. Everyone wants change for the world, but not everyone actually changes it. Leymah is one of the many people who continue to inspire me to change the world for the better.
Kids today look up to our world leaders, but we ourselves can be leaders. There’s many ways we can promote a peaceful world, like Leymah. When you see someone in trouble, or in a fight with a peer, provide some peaceful ways to resolve the problem. Another way to promote peace is to show a child or sibling how to be kind to the vulnerable people: the homeless, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Furthermore, you can speak out and stand up against discrimination and hate at your school, playground, etc.
In addition, we can also promote peace by serving in your community, schools, retirement homes, and the public library. We can also promote peace right at home. When you and your sibling are in a dispute and you feel angry, think before you do or say anything. Then, ask yourself what the best response to say. Simple acts such as saying “Hi,” or having a talk with your neighbor promote a peaceful environment for our world and coming generations.
In conclusion, Leymah Gbowee is an inspirational woman. We will never forget what she has done for our world!