Shirin Ebadi
1947 – Present
Who is Shirin Ebadi?
Shirin Ebadi (born 1947) is an Iranian lawyer, former judge and human rights activist. In 2003 she became the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, for her work for democracy and the rights of women and children.
Key Achievement
First Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize
Her story
Iranian lawyer and human rights activist, first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, fights for democracy, women's rights, and children's rights despite persecution and exile from Iran.
Questions people ask about Shirin Ebadi
Why did Shirin Ebadi win the Nobel Peace Prize?
She won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts for democracy and human rights, especially the rights of women and children in Iran.
Was Shirin Ebadi a judge?
Yes. She was one of the first women judges in Iran. After the 1979 revolution, women were barred from serving as judges and she was demoted to a clerk.
What did Shirin Ebadi do as a lawyer?
She defended political dissidents, writers and families of murdered intellectuals, often for free. She co-founded the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran.
Where does Shirin Ebadi live now?
She has lived in exile, mainly in the United Kingdom, since 2009, after pressure on her and her family in Iran.
Sources & further reading
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