TAWAKKOL KARMEN

Born in 1979 in Yemen, this individual is a human rights activist, journalist and politician. Known as the “mother of the revolution”, “the iron woman” and “the lady of the Arab Spring,” She played a key role in the 2011 pro-democracy youth uprising in Yemen. She was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, along in recognition of her leadership in non-violent struggle and her advocacy against authoritarianism, corruption, and oppression. She is the first Arab woman and the second Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and at the time was the youngest recipient at 32.

Following the footsteps of her inspirations, Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi, she has become one of the pioneer leaders in the Middle East to promote the culture of non-violence to fight political oppression and bring institutional change. In a male-dominated tribal country, she caught the attention and admiration of the world and international media for her fearless leadership as a young woman mobilizing thousands of Yemenis in her call for the social activism. Through her non-violent approach, she was able to reverse the stereotypical image that portrayed her country Yemen as a source of terrorism and violence. Along with her revolutionary comrades, she has proven to the world how peaceful and aspiring to peace the Yemeni people are.

She always defines herself as a universal citizen with the global message of equal citizenship and equal humanity. She always calls for co-existence between different cultures, religions, and politics. She holds a strong position against authoritarianism, dictatorship, and oppression. As a leader and inspirational figure, helping an entire generation aspire to achieving cultural change, we honour her with the award for Social Entrepreneur of the year…