Honoring Women Who Led Global Peace Movements: A Call to Keep the Flame Alive

On this International Day of Peace, I want to celebrate some remarkable women who have led movements that shaped the peace we experience today.

When I read about these trailblazing women, from every corner of the world, it reminds me that peace is not just the absence of war but the active pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all.

Leymah Gbowee from Liberia, a beacon of resilience, mobilized thousands of women to demand an end to civil war through peaceful protests and nonviolent resistance. Her leadership helped bring about peace in Liberia and earned her a Nobel Peace Prize, proving that when women unite, they can change the course of history.

Jane Addams from the U.S, a pioneer of social work, founded Hull House and co-founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Her tireless work for peace, social reform, and women's suffrage made her the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Addams showed the world that peace is also about justice for the marginalized.

From the UK, Emmeline Pethick-Lawrence is remembered not only for her fight for women's suffrage but also for her contributions to the global peace movement. She was a leading voice in advocating for women's rights and their role in promoting peace, reminding us that gender equality is fundamental to a peaceful society.

In Northern Ireland, Mairead Corrigan co-founded the Northern Ireland Peace Movement (later known as the Community of Peace People) during the height of the Troubles. Her work in promoting reconciliation and advocating for peace between Catholics and Protestants continues to inspire communities divided by conflict.

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese political leader, became a symbol of nonviolent resistance in Myanmar. For her efforts in promoting democracy and human rights under a brutal military dictatorship, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Her decades-long struggle reminds us of the enduring fight for freedom and peace, even in the face of great personal sacrifice.

Rigoberta Menchú, an Indigenous Guatemalan woman, fought for the rights of her people during and after her country's civil war. Her dedication to peace, equality, and the defense of human rights has made her a global voice for oppressed communities, earning her a Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless activism

Wangari Maathai, the environmentalist who founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, linking environmental sustainability with peace. Her efforts remind us that peace extends beyond the absence of conflict—it is about nurturing the earth and ensuring that all people can live in harmony with nature.

We cannot forget Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female African president, whose leadership in post-war Liberia was a beacon of hope for rebuilding peace in a war-torn nation. Her efforts were instrumental in stabilizing a country that had been ravaged by conflict.

These women, along with countless others, have been tireless in their pursuit of a more peaceful world. Their stories remind us of what can be achieved when women lead, speak up, and refuse to be silenced.

I choose to celebrate them today as we look to the future, knowing that the fight for peace is far from over.

I, too, commit to this cause in my own way, working with young girls, mentoring them, and helping them discover their voices. By nurturing their confidence and guiding them toward self-love and respect, I am joining the many women across the world who continue to light the path toward peace.

We must all do our part, ensuring that the next generation of women are equipped to carry on this vital work. Together, we can build a world where peace thrives not just in policy but in every home, school, and community.

God bless all women globally.