Three women’s rights activists received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway today.  Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman dedicated their awards to grassroots women in all corners of the world who are nonviolently struggling for peace and justice.

Gbowee told McClatchy news outlet that the “real celebration” would be “20 years from now, when we see a 1,000 young women or 2,000 young women globally say ‘we are leaders because in 2011 we saw three women [win the Nobel Peace Prize], we got inspired, we got challenged.’”

The ceremony is held on International Human Rights Day each year.

“I have always believed that resistance against repression and violence is possible without relying on similar repression and violence.” — Tawokkul Karman

Read Tawokkul Karman’s Nobel Lecture here.

“[T]his prize is not just in recognition of the triumph of women. It is a triumph of humanity. To recognize and honor women, the other half of humanity, is to achieve universal wholeness and balance.” — Leymah Gbowee

Read Leymah Gbowee’s Nobel Lecture here.

“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. … Let yours be a voice for freedom!” — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Read Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Nobel Lecture here.

READ MORE

Three women receive Nobel Peace Prize, AFP, 10 December 2011.

Recipients hope to inspire women, Vancouver Sun, 10 December 2011.

Read the message of congratulations from the women Laureates of the Nobel Women’s Initiative.

Read our 16 Days of Activism Against Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict Profile of Leymah Gbowee.