Shirin Ebadi

Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Iranian Activist & Lawyer

Shirin Ebadi

Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Iranian Activist & Lawyer

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Biography

As the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Ebadi continues her work fighting for human rights with a specific focus on her native Iran.

Ebadi won the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in promoting human rights, particularly for women, children, and political prisoners in Iran. One of the first female judges in Iran, Ebadi also was the first woman to serve in the role of Chief Justice.

After being forced out of the judiciary as a result of the 1979 revolution, Ebadi later became an attorney in private practice defending the rights of political dissidents. Her work led to her being arrested numerous times and receiving death threats. Despite now living in exile, Ebadi remains committed to her mission of speaking out against human rights abuses and advocating for legal reforms in her country.

Ebadi is the founder of several organizations including the Defenders of Human Rights Center, is co-founder of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, and launched the Million Signatures Campaign, a campaign demanding an end to legal discrimination against women in Iranian law.

She frequently lectures at universities across the world and is the author of 13 books including her memoir Iran Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Life and Country and the recently published Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran. Ebadi earned her J.D. and PhD degrees from University of Tehran.

Speaker Videos

Shirin Ebadi

Speech Topics

Iran Awakening: A Story of Revolution & Hope

The Role of Women in World Peace

True Islam: Human Rights & The Role of Faith

Testimonials

"Dr. Ebadi’s plenary debate was one of the highlights of the three days and her words influenced everyone in the room – and will continue to spark debate for a long time to come. It was an honor to have her on the stage."

- Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa

"I would like to thank Dr. Ebadi for traveling to our corner of the world to deliver Sunday’s commencement address. Her words were stirring. I can’t imagine anything more important for our graduates to hear. And, of course, her work is an inspiration to lawyers all around the world. I will treasure our meeting always, and continue to pray that conditions in her country move in the direction for which she is toiling so long and hard. Again, on behalf of everyone here at the University of Connecticut School of Law, a thousand times thank you."

- University of Connecticut School of Law

"Her visit here was a great success. Even speaking through an interpreter, she was most accessible and engaging. The students were thrilled to have someone of her stature here. Thanks for your help in setting it up."

- University of Connecticut Law School

"Everything went very well. She spoke superbly and we had a great turnout from the community and school. She was very well received by the audience, graciously took questions, and then stayed until 9:30 pm signing books. Thanks for all of your work. This was a good success!"

- Loyola University Chicago