Shirin Ebadi
Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist who received the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democracy and human rights.
Nobel Peace Prize: An annual award honoring contributions to peace, established under Alfred Nobel’s will. Ebadi received the 2003 prize for her efforts promoting democracy and human rights.
Iranian Revolution: The 1978–1979 revolution that overthrew Iran’s monarchy and established an Islamic republic. The revolution ended Ebadi’s tenure as a judge and reshaped the legal system in which she worked.
2003 Nobel Peace Prize: The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Shirin Ebadi in 2003 for her human-rights and democracy work. The award made Ebadi the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Nonviolent resistance: Collective action that pursues political or social change without physical violence. Ebadi has advocated lawful, peaceful methods for advancing democracy and rights.
Mohammad Mossadegh: Iranian prime minister from 1951 to 1953, known for nationalizing the country’s oil industry. Ebadi has invoked Mossadegh’s legacy in discussions of Iranian democracy and constitutional government.
Islamic Republic of Iran: Iran’s political system, established after the 1979 revolution, combining republican institutions with clerical authority. Ebadi’s legal and advocacy work has challenged policies and institutions of this state.
Sakharov Prize: A European Parliament award recognizing people who defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. Ebadi received the prize in 2004, extending recognition of her advocacy beyond the Nobel award.
Iranian Green Movement: A protest movement that emerged in Iran after the disputed 2009 presidential election. The movement pursued political reform through mass demonstrations, a strategy Ebadi supported from abroad.
Nasrin Sotoudeh: Iranian human-rights lawyer known for defending activists, women, and political prisoners. Like Ebadi, Sotoudeh has faced state pressure for defending clients and civil liberties.
Iranian women's rights movement: A movement seeking equal rights and opportunities for women in Iran. Ebadi has represented women in court and campaigned against discriminatory laws.