Nobel Peace Prize 2011

The three women were awarded the prize for their non-violent struggle to promote the safety of women and the right of women to participate fully in peace-building work.

In its official statement regarding the award of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said:
We cannot achieve democracy and lasting peace in the world unless women obtain the same opportunities as men to influence developments at all levels of society.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 is divided into three equal parts among the laureates, who received the prize at today’s formal ceremony at Oslo City Hall.

The laureates

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is Africa’s first democratically elected woman president. The Norwegian Nobel Committee points out that since she took office in 2006, Ms Sirleaf has helped to secure peace in Liberia, promote economic and social development and strengthen the position of women.

Leymah Gbowee mobilised and organised women across ethnic and religious dividing lines to bring an end to the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003 and safeguard women’s participation in elections.

A politician, journalist, blogger and international public face of the Arab Spring uprising in Yemen, Tawakkul Karman has played a leading role in the struggle for women’s rights, democracy and peace in her country.

Save the Children’s Peace Prize Party

This morning, Crown Princess Mette-Marit attended Save the Children’s Peace Prize Party at the Nobel Peace Center. Two hundred children were invited to meet the three laureates, who were received with cheers, confetti and “We love you”.

Audience at the Royal Palace

Prior to the awards ceremony, the laureates were granted an audience at the Royal Palace. They were received by King Harald and Queen Sonja in the Bird Room and escorted to the King’s office. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were also present.

Nobel Banquet and Peace Prize Concert

This evening, the King and Queen and the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will attend the traditional Nobel Banquet at the Grand Hotel in Oslo in honour of the laureates.

According to tradition, the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert will be held on 11 December at Oslo Spektrum and will feature performers from around the world. The concert will be attended by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, accompanied by Princess Märtha Louise and Mr Ari Behn.