Hero of the Week Award: October 7, Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Heroes of the Week

Today the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to three activist women, recognizing  their nonviolent role in promoting peace, democracy and gender equality.  This year’s prize is shared between: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberian President (yes, even African countries elect women leaders before the United States–ummm, which is the third world?); peace activist Leymah Gbowee; and Tawakul Karman, activist for democracy in Yemen.

The tireless work of these strong women leaders earns them this week’s HWA.  Not only do these women deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, but this sends a clear message that evolved nations work to create parity between genders:

Anyone who knows anything of history knows that great social changes are impossible without feminine upheaval. Social Progress can be measured by the social position of the female sex. (Karl Marx)

Given the attacks on women and women’s health and reproductive rights in the United States, we have a long way to go for social progress here.  “We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society,” said Thorbjorn Jagland of the Nobel Committee.

I congratulate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakul Karman and hope their recognition shall inspire women in the United States to take leadership positions and work towards social change. Click here to read more about these wonderful, powerful women making a difference in the world.