The accomplishments of Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee

Leymah Gbowee is someone that most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, will be familiar with. Gbowee is an advocate for women's rights and a peace activist, who is perhaps best known for founding and serving as the president of an organisation called the Gbowee Peace Foundation.

Whilst she has achieved many things throughout her life, her greatest accomplishment to date has been the establishment of a non-violent movement, which saw Muslim and Christian women assembling around Liberia to help end the civil war which had ravaged the country for more than 14 years. In 2002, Gbowee's work in this area led to her being named as the leader and spokesperson for the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace. The women that she asked to participate in this movement held daily sit-ins and demonstrations, in order to protest against the injustices being carried out by the president Charles Taylor.

Today, in addition to running the aforementioned Peace Foundation, Gbowee also serves as the WIPSEN-Africa's executive director. Her role in this organisation is to offer guidance and support to a network of female peace-builders who are currently working in counties around Liberia. Gbowee has been a panellist at many important international and regional conferences, including the Arria Formula Meeting, held by the UN's Security Council, and the DDRR Process, arranged by UNIFEM.

In 2008, she served as the central character and narrator for 'Pray the Devil Back to Hell', a documentary which shares audio and film clips from the Liberian war. This work has since been used as an advocacy tool in both post-conflict and conflict zones around the world, including Sudan, Rwanda, South Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. At the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival, it was named as the 'Best Documentary Feature'.

Her activism work has won Gbowee numerous awards over the years; Tunde Folawiyo may recall that in 2007, the Harvard University Women's Leadership Board gave her the Blue Ribbon Peace Prize for her contributions to peace-building. Then in 2008, she received the Leaders of the 21st Century Award, and the following year, she won the Profile in Courage Award. In 2010, she was given the John Jay Medal for Justice, and in 2011, she was award the Nobel Peace Prize.

The life of Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai was an environmental and political activist, who is perhaps best known for being the first woman from Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize, a feat which she accomplished in 2004. She received the award for her outstanding contributions to sustainable peace, democracy and development.

Tunde Folawiyo, and others who are familiar with her career, may know that Maathai was also the first woman in all of Central and East Africa to complete a doctorate, and was the first female professor to work in a Kenyan university. In addition to her academic achievements, Maathai wrote four books, entitled 'Replenishing the Earth', 'The Challenge for Africa', 'Unbowed: A Memoir', and 'The Green Belt Movement'.

Born in 1940, in Nyeri Kenya, Maathai completed her undergraduate studies at Atchison's Mount St. Scholastica College, after which she moved to the USA, in order to attend the University of Pittsburgh. In 1966, after being awarded a Master of Science degree from this institute, Maathai returned home, where she obtained a PhD at the University of Nairobi.

Shortly after this, during the early 1970s, she decided to establish a non-governmental environmental organisation called the Green Belt Movement, which focused on women's rights, conservation and the planting of trees. The GBM began to spread to other countries around the continent, eventually resulting in 30 million trees being planted. More than three decades after it was first launched, the GBM, and Maathai became the subject of a documentary made by Marlboro productions, entitled 'Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai'.

Tunde Folawiyo, and others who have heard of Maathai, may recall that her work won her the Right Livelihood Award in 1986 and, as mentioned above, the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 . In regards to the latter, the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Maathai for her bravery in choosing to protest against the oppressive regime in Kenya, and noted that her work had led to a greater awareness of political oppression, not only in her native country, but in other nations around the world. The committee described her as an 'inspiration'.

Twelve years after receiving the latter, she became the founder of the Nobel Women's Initiative, which she ran with other female laureates, including Mairead Corrigan, Betty Williams, Rigoberta Menchu Tum, Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams. She also worked on the AWEPA (Association of European Parliaments with Africa) Advisory Board up until 2011, when she passed away.

Tunde Folawiyo | Winnie Mandela: An Activist Icon

Whilst millions around the globe may continue to be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has made many contributions to African culture, as well. The activist from South Africa has over the years held several esteemed government positions, as well as played active roles in organizations such as Africa’s National Congress Women’s League and the National Executive Committee of the ANC. Tunde Folawiyo and many other citizens of Africa may regard the achievements of Winnie Mandela as great strides in the fight for social justice throughout the country of South Africa and beyond.

Born 26 September in the African village, eMbongweni Bizana in Pondoland – now the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa – Winnie went on to acquire a college degree in social work in Johannesburg during a time when blacks faced educational restrictions due to apartheid. She later acquired a Bachelor’s of internal relations at a Witwatersrand university. As the former wife of Nelson Mandela for nearly four decades, Winnie continued to support her husband during the entirety of his 27-year imprisonment. She served as the face of the anti-apartheid movement during this time, proving popular amongst South African citizens and others. Whilst she and Mandela divorced in 1996, she frequently visited him during his prolonged illness. Their kinship was the source of much media speculation as she remained a close confident up until his passing.

Mandela faced many struggles during times of apartheid. After being tortured and subject to house arrest, she was then held within solitary confinement for one year before being banished to another town. After news of these injustices spread, Mandela garnered worldwide popularity. From organising local clinics to actively campaigning for equal rights, Winnie’s efforts to forge an impact on social change created a major stir, drawing worldwide attention to the conditions faced by blacks in South Africa. During 1985, she was awarded a Human Rights Award alongside fellow activists for their work throughout South Africa. Their culminated efforts continue to inspire millions throughout the globe currently experiencing a range of social injustices. As the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela remains ever present in the lives of many around the world, Tunde Folawiyo and others may recognize the significant impact of Winnie Mandela as well. Whilst her civil rights efforts were sometimes riddled with controversy, the positive influence forged by Winnie Mandela, an African icon, may withstand time.

Tunde Folawiyo | Mama Africa: The Impact of Miriam Makeba

Dubbed “Mama Africa” for her renowned contributions to the people and cultures of a continent, Miriam Makeba remains a highly influential figure even years after her passing. The South African civil rights advocate and singer paved the way for a new generation of African musicians, becoming the first African artist to popularize the African music genre around the globe in the 1960s. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the continent may regard Miriam Makeba for her unwavering spirit and immense talent.

Born in March 1932 in Johannesburg, Makeba’s mother was a healer-herbalist called a Swazi sangoma while her father was a Xhosa. She spent her first six months in jail as her mother was imprisoned for selling a homemade African beer. Later, as a young girl, Makeba began singing in a choir for a primary school in the city of Pretoria. She attended the school for nearly eight years.

Makeba’s professional singing career got its start during the 1950s. She became featured in a South African group called Manhattan Brothers. She left the group to record alongside an all-woman musical group called The Skylarks. The unique blend of traditional South African melodies and jazz became highly popular. Her single “Pata Pata”, recorded during 1957 and later released in the U.S. a decade later made her well known throughout the country of South Africa and beyond. This skyrocketed her career in which she would later record and tour with a variety of popular artists including Harry Belafonte, Hugh Masekela and Paul Simon.

Makeba’s activism further propelled her international fame. Her appearance in the anti-apartheid film titled Come Back, Africa created a great impression on viewers. The film was awarded the acclaimed Critics’ Award at Venice’s annual Film Festival, where Makeba was granted a visa to attend the film’s premiere. Later that year, the singer was given the leading female role for the Broadway-inspired musical King Kong in South Africa. As a popular advocate against South Africa’s era of apartheid, Makeba’s South African passport was revoked. During this time, a number of countries reached out to aid.

Belgium, Guinea and Ghana all issued international passports, welcoming her into their countries. Throughout her life, Makeba was an honorary citizen of ten countries, holding nine passports. Tunde Folawiyo and others throughout Africa may remember Makeba for her spirit, generosity and talent. For these, she will forever be cemented in the continent’s history as “Mama Africa”.

Tunde Folawiyo | The United Nations and the Impact of Kofi Annan

Throughout its history, the United Nations has seen various leaders of outstanding character come together to forge positive impact upon the world. Kofi Annan is one such figure whose contributions are forever cemented in African history. From his role in the United Nations to his winning of the Nobel Peace Prize, Annan continues to inspire new generations of African leaders. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world may recognise his various accomplishments.

Kofi Annan comes from a family of traditional chiefs from Ghana’s Fante tribe. He was born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi’s Kofandros section, and as he grew up he became a student leader throughout his school years. He attended Cape Coast’s Mfantisipim School – a Methodist boarding school – from 1954 to 1957. It was here that he was taught the basic principle that “suffering anywhere concerns people everywhere”.

Upon Annan’s graduation in 1957, the Gold Coast became independent from Britain, becoming known instead as Ghana. Annan was granted a scholarship to begin study in the United States before departing for study in Geneva. Later, he returned to the US to study management at the famous MIT.

In 1958 Annan enrolled at Kumasi College of Science and Technology. He later became a recipient of the Ford Foundation grant, which enabled him to complete his undergraduate studies at St Paul, Minnesota’s Macalester College in 1961. He then completed an International Relations degree from Geneva’s Graduate Institute of International Studies in 1962, before eventually earning a Master of Science degree.

After finishing his formal education, Annan began his rise through the ranks of the United Nations, eventually becoming Secretary General, the top job. He held the role from 1997 to 2007 – a duration of two terms. During this time, Annan garnered the respect of citizens from all over the globe. He is recognised for his ability to maintain honesty and integrity when facing adversity. His stoicism and diplomacy have long served him well as a peacekeeper for the United Nations and other organisations such as the World Health Organisation.

In recognition of his outstanding work towards peace, Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. For this and countless other achievements, he remains one of Africa’s most respected figures. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world will continue to be inspired by the impact he has forged upon world peace.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Zik of Africa: Nnamdi Azikiwe

As one of the foremost figures of modern Nigerian nationalism, Chief Benjamin Azikiwe PC, more commonly referred to by the name Nnamdi Azikiwe, served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1963 to 1966. He had been the second Governor-General from 1960 to 1963, and became Nigeria’s first president later that same year. His presidency spanned Nigeria’s First Republic, and citizens like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may recall Nnamdi Azikiwe as one of the most influential figures in the history of the country.

Born on 16 November 1904, Azikiwe, commonly known as ‘The Zik of Africa’, hails from the Northern Nigeria’s Zungeru. He studied at Hope Waddell Training Institute and Lagos’s Methodist Boys’ HS before travelling to the United States, where he attended Washington DC’s Howard University, before graduating from Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University in 1930. Here he obtained a masters diploma in religion in 1932 before earning another masters in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. He was employed as an instructor for Lincoln University before his return to Nigeria.

After his time teaching for Lincoln, Azikiwe assumed the role of editor for the African Morning Post in November 1934. The newspaper, based in Ghana, served as a means for promoting his pro-African nationalist agenda. His writings delved deep into social issues as he questioned the colonial order that was present at the time.

After being charged with sedition following the publication of a controversial article, Azikiwe returned to Lagos in 1937 where he established the West African Pilot, a vehicle he used to further advocate for Nigerian nationalism. He then founded the Zik Group of Newspapers, responsible for producing multiple publications around the country. He later formed the first nationalist organisation in Nigeria.

Following much success in journalism, Azikiwe ventured into politics. After co-founding the popular NCNC alongside Herbert Macaulay during 1944, Azikiwe became the National Council’s secretary-general in 1946 before becoming elected to the Nigeria’s Legislative Council the next year. He led the Opposition to Obafemi Awolowo’s government in 1951 before embarking on his esteemed political career of the 1960s.

Azikiwe’s quest for social change defined his legacy, and he remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Nigeria. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the country may recognise Azikiwe as one of the nation’s most impactful leaders.

Tunde Folawiyo | A look at the career of WEB Du Bois

W. E. B Du Bois was an author, sociologist and historian who dedicated his life to the pursuit of equal rights for African Americans. As a history enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo is no doubt familiar with this man's life. Born in 1868 in Massachusetts, Du Bois was raised in a community where racism was not as commonplace as it was elsewhere.  However, as he grew up, he became more aware of the prevalence of this issue in other parts of the US.

He was a bright and talented young man, who demonstrated an aptitude for writing at a young age. During his high school years, he spent a considerable amount of time working as a correspondent for several New York publications. He then went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Fisk University, before moving on to Harvard; whilst studying there, he had the opportunity to collaborate with both Albert Bushnell Hard and William James.

Du Bois became the first African American to complete a PhD at Harvard; shortly after he graduated, he accepted a teaching position at Atlanta University. Whilst he was there, he carried out in-depth studies of the social conditions of African Americans, and in 1900, created an exhibit which depicted the achievements of African Americans since the Emancipation Proclamation, with particular focus given to their accomplishments in the areas of journalism, literature and industrial work.

In 1903, he wrote what would become his most famous work, entitled 'The Souls of Black Folks'. Two years after this was published, he was named as the leader of the Niagara Movement. This led to Du Bois gaining international acclaim, as he became an outspoken opponent of the economic and political system which had exploited so many African Americans.

He protested against racial discrimination in employment and education, Jim Crow laws and lynching, and was a strong proponent of Pan-Africanism. He also spent much of his time working with various Pan-African congresses who wished to free the colonies around Africa from European authorities.  In addition to this, he continued to work as a lecturer and public educator, and his teachings had a profound impact on the Civil rights Movement. DuBois passed away in 1963, the night before he was due to take part in a protest march in Washington. Those interested in history, like Tunde Folawiyo, may know that the Civil Rights Act, which was passed just one year after Du Bois' death, included many of the reforms which he himself had fought for during his lifetime.