We go into rural communities and all we do, like has been done in this room, is create the space. When these girls sit, you unlock intelligence, you unlock passion, you unlock commitment, you unlock focus, you unlock great leaders.
Leymah GboweeRead
Sometimes, people call my way of speaking ranting. Why are you always ranting and screaming, they ask. But here’s the thing…the reason why I rant is because I am a voice for many women that cannot speak out to heads of state, UN officials, and those that influence systems of oppression. And so I rant. And I will not stop ranting until my mission of equality of all girls is achieved.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote conveys the importance of raising one's voice for those who are silenced by oppression.
Leymah Gbowee emphasizes that her passionate speaking, often labeled as ranting, serves a greater purpose: to advocate for the marginalized voices of women who are unable to express their struggles in the face of oppressive systems. Her commitment to persistently speaking out reflects her determination to achieve equality for all girls, showcasing the power of advocacy and the necessity of standing up against injustice.
Themes
VoiceEqualityAdvocacyOppressionWomen
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on gender equality, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of giving a platform to women's voices.
More from Leymah Gbowee
All quotes →Activism is something that no one can fake. You get angry. You cry. But you never throw in your towel, because that anger is what is propelling you to further action.
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Leadership is standing with your people. People say you have to live to fight another day, but sometimes you have to show you are a true leader.
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At 17, the first time I saw a dead body, I froze. By 31 it was a natural occurrence for me, and no group of people should live like that.
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I always tell people, anger is like liquid. It's fluid, it's like water. You put it in a container and it takes the shape of that container. So many people you see in prison, unleashing war on their people, they are angry, and they take their anger and put it into a violent container.
Leymah GboweeRead
The one thing I have never been afraid of is standing before important people and speaking my mind. I represent women who may never have the opportunity to go to the UN or meet with a president. I'm never afraid to speak truth to power.
Leymah GboweeRead
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