Leymah Gbowee
Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist known for her role in the Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace movement in helping end the Liberian civil war, resulting in a period of peace and free election in 2005.
She is the author of the memoir
Mighty Be Our Powers, which further explains the role women played in Liberia's liberation. It opens with her high school graduation as she plans her college years. Since war scenes in Liberia have been the norm for many years, it’s hard to grasp the contrast of this opening scene of peace and celebration.
People have plenty to eat and share, and Gbowee is gifted a nice pair of boots. Civil war breaks a few weeks later Gbowee and her family are forced to flee their home and seek refuge in a church. The fighting is so intense that they grab only a few things, assuming they’ll be returning to their home soon. But the author notes that “If I had known what was coming, I would have taken those boots.”
Gbowee tells the story of the father of her children, a married man who left his wife and lays out the details of this relationship and how it affected her. She also points out how the relationship led to her beautiful children, who are her greatest joy.
As the reader processes the pain and joys of Gbowee’s personal life, she moves ahead into the education she always dreamed of and her dreams of making a difference for her country. She begins working at the Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program, where she learns of the methods that will help her give women a voice.
A deep realization in the book is that, while women may lack material power, they always have emotional power. And when that power is claimed, it helps women speak without fear about their experiences and expectations.
The women of Liberia finally transform their spent emotion into energy and create a spectacle that draws the leaders' attention. At one point, they bar men into a peace talk conference room for days on end. This forces the men to reach an agreement to end the war.
In the end,
Mighty Be Our Powers is a powerful story whose impact extends beyond women and war. It also explores the cultural biases associated with relief workers from the UN and other international programs. But most importantly, this book demonstrates Gbowee’s faith in the fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
Leymah Gbowee: Awards & Accolades
Gbowee's book, Mighty Be Our Powers was nominated for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, Nonfiction, in 2012.
Related Authors
Fans of Leymah Gbowee also enjoy these authors:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
- Charles Dickens, author of: A Christmas Carol.
- James Rollins, author of the Sigma Force Series.
Leymah Gbowee: F.A.Q
What was the first book Leymah Gbowee wrote?
The first book written by Leymah Gbowee was Mighty Be Our Powers, published in 2011.
What was the most recent book Leymah Gbowee wrote?
Their most recently released work was Rise, Girl, Rise (a short story) on February 3rd, 2026.
Are there upcoming new books by Leymah Gbowee?
Leymah Gbowee does not have any upcoming books with a set publication date within the next few months at this time.
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How many books has Leymah Gbowee written?
Leymah Gbowee has written 3 books. 1 Non-Fiction Books, 2 books in the Children's Books.