We go into rural communities and all we do, like has been done in this room, is create the space. When these girls sit, you unlock intelligence, you unlock passion, you unlock commitment, you unlock focus, you unlock great leaders.
Leymah GboweeRead
At 17, the first time I saw a dead body, I froze. By 31 it was a natural occurrence for me, and no group of people should live like that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the desensitization to violence and death over time, highlighting the need for change.
Leymah Gbowee's quote captures the transformation of a person's emotional response to death and violence as they encounter it more frequently. Initially, it evokes shock and fear, but over time, it becomes a normalized part of life, raising questions about the conditions that lead to such desensitization and the imperative for societal change to prevent such a reality from being accepted as the norm.
Themes
DeathViolenceDesensitizationChangeSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the impact of violence on communities, one might reference this quote to emphasize the need for societal change.
More from Leymah Gbowee
All quotes βActivism is something that no one can fake. You get angry. You cry. But you never throw in your towel, because that anger is what is propelling you to further action.
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Leadership is standing with your people. People say you have to live to fight another day, but sometimes you have to show you are a true leader.
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I always tell people, anger is like liquid. It's fluid, it's like water. You put it in a container and it takes the shape of that container. So many people you see in prison, unleashing war on their people, they are angry, and they take their anger and put it into a violent container.
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The one thing I have never been afraid of is standing before important people and speaking my mind. I represent women who may never have the opportunity to go to the UN or meet with a president. I'm never afraid to speak truth to power.
Leymah GboweeRead
When women gather, great things will happen.
Leymah GboweeRead
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