With a focus on transforming lives through education, empowerment, and leadership development, she has quietly reshaped Liberia and inspired countless individuals around the world.
By: Abraham S. B. Tamba, a Liberian Educator and contributing writer
Her story demonstrates that impactful figures often let their work speak for itself, rather than seeking personal recognition.
Transformative Impact Through the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa Through the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA), Madam Gbowee has initiated numerous programs aimed at fostering peace and empowering communities.
Her efforts have led to remarkable achievements, including: Education: Over 1,000 scholarships have been awarded to students from pre-school to university, both local and international, enabling them to access quality education.
Empowerment: More than 109 girls have been equipped with essential skills to excel as leaders.
Leadership Development: The foundation has hosted events like the “Breakfast Walk ‘N’ Talk (BWT)” with more than 1,266 women and girls participating.
Education for Peace and Development (EPAD): Provides scholarships and educational support to Liberian women, youth, and children, breaking the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.
African Youth Education Initiative (AYEI): A fully funded scholarship program supporting students in local and international universities, as well as high schools in Liberia and Ghana.
Gathering of Scholars (GoS): A semi-annual meeting bringing scholars, their parents, and GPFA staff together to reflect on achievements and set future goals.
Our Children’s Fund (OCF): Offers partial financial assistance to students and organizations in need to help achieve their educational goals.
Book Bag Drive (BBD): An annual initiative providing underprivileged students with school materials, uniforms, and financial support to encourage academic excellence.
Afterschool Enrichment Program (AEP): Designed to address poor academic performance by offering out-of-school learning assistance.
Partnership Schools & Institutions (PSI): Collaborates with local educational organizations to promote the greater good of Liberia through discretionary grants.
Festival of Women (FoW): Celebrates and empowers women through events and initiatives that highlight their contributions to peace and development.
Godly Gentlemen Academy (GGA): Mentors young boys with moral values, life skills, and leadership training.
Peace Jam Liberia (PJLIB): Connects youth with Nobel Peace Laureates to inspire leadership and positive change.
Peace Through Fair Play (PTFP) Annual Youth Camp: Promotes peace and nonviolence by building competencies in youth aged 10–16 to become peace advocates; Peace Ambassadors.
Computer Research and Resource Center (CRRC) Lab: Provides access to technology and digital literacy training, equipping individuals with essential skills for the modern world.
Feminist Lecture Series (FLS): Creates a platform for critical dialogue on gender equality, societal norms, and the empowerment of women and men, fostering discussions to challenge stereotypes and advocate for justice.
The Humility of Impactful Leadership Despite holding 17 honorary doctoral degrees from prestigious international institutions, Madam Gbowee humbly refuses to be addressed as “Dr. Gbowee.” Her reasoning is both genuine and profound: “These are conferred titles, not academically earned titles. Don’t call me Dr.” This humility reflects her focus on serving others rather than basking in accolades.
Madam Gbowee’s legacy through GPFA speaks volumes. Her work is a shining example of selflessness, determination, and the power of grassroots efforts to create lasting change. Her story reminds us that those who make real impacts often do so without fanfare, driven by their vision to uplift and empower others.
A Pathway to Becoming Better, the lifestyle of Madam Gbowee is a pathway to becoming a better human being. Those Who Make Real Impacts Do Not Blow Their Own Horn.
