Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee of Liberia (along with Tawakkul Karman of Yemen) were announced as winners of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize today. As you likely know, Independent Lens is a proud partner of the Women and Girls Lead public media campaign, and it so happens two films we’re associated with that profile Sirleaf and Gbowee will be broadcasting in the next few weeks.
First up, the PBS series Women War & Peace will air on most PBS member stations beginning October 11 at 10 pm (check local listings). The episode entitled Pray the Devil Back to Hell (airing October 18) recounts Gbowee’s peaceful women’s movement to overthrow the dictatorial regime of Charles Taylor.
Then on October 23 (again, check your listings) on the WORLD Channel, watch Iron Ladies of Liberia, about Africa’s first freely elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia. The film explores the challenges facing the new president and the extraordinary women surrounding her.
(NOTE: Independent Lens has produced a Community Classroom module for educators and NGOs from the documentary Iron Ladies of Liberia that comes with two lesson plans. You can find the module and download the lesson plans here.)
“These three extraordinary women inspire all of us who care about these issues,” said Pat Harrison, CEO and President of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “We’re proud to celebrate their triumph and help bring their stories to the world.”