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“Today we celebrate three outstanding non-violent leaders from Africa and Middle East.” 

Washington, D.C.–  Congresswoman Barbara Lee responded to the announcement that three women were together awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.  Two Liberians, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, and Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a non-violent peace activist, were recognized for their role in bringing an end to civil warfare by leading an organized peace movement.  The third recipient is Tawakkul Karman of Yemen.

“I extend my wholehearted congratulations to President Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkul Karman for the Nobel Prize Committee’s recognition of their outstanding role in bringing about non-violent change in their home countries," said Lee.

“Liberia, a country with strong historical ties to the United States, has benefited greatly from the leadership of President Sirleaf and Ms. Gbowee.  I congratulate them both for playing such a critical role in transforming their country from a land of strife to a model for progress in democracy and development.”

Congresswoman Lee met with President Sirleaf last year and was glad to see her recognized with humanity’s most prestigious award.  “I have been pleased to see her leadership in land ownership reform, education, poverty reduction, and cracking down on corruption, and look forward to her continued work for peace in her nation and beyond.”

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