Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights activist Tawakkol Karman issued a strong call to action during her speech at the virtual international conference “Digital Power of Women,” held on November 17-18, 2024.

She urged governments, institutions, NGOs, and individuals worldwide to cultivate environments that value women's voices, safeguard their rights, and empower them to realize their full potential.

She emphasized that supporting women is fundamental to upholding humanity's core values, asserting that a future where women are free, equal, and empowered is essential for the flourishing of freedom, justice, and democracy. She highlighted the immense power of unity among female leaders. She stated that the combined strengths of women from diverse backgrounds amplify their impact, challenge societal norms, and drive transformative change.  

Karman cited women-led initiatives tackling global issues such as inequality, peace, democracy, and environmental injustice as evidence of this transformative power. She further emphasized that this unity empowers women to address systemic challenges, advocate for reforms, and demand accountability, a crucial element in their ongoing struggle.  This collective action, she argued, showcases the resilience and vision of women, demonstrating that their potential is limitless.

Drawing inspiration from countless women in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Africa, and Latin America, Karman acknowledged the immense challenges these women face—war, oppression, societal barriers, and religious constraints. Despite these adversities, they continue to fight for freedom, dignity, democracy, equality, and an end to poverty.

Karman also cited the Queen of Sheba, Bilqis, as a significant source of inspiration, highlighting her legacy as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and inclusive leadership in Yemeni history. This reference underscores the rich heritage of strong female figures who have contributed to the fight for justice and equality. 

Karman also addressed the critical role of the digital space, highlighting its potential as a powerful platform for unity, advocacy, and global change. She referenced the significant impact of digital tools during the Arab Spring, noting how they can amplify voices, connect individuals, and transform personal actions into collective movements.  However, she also cautioned against the misuse of these platforms, particularly by governments that employ digital tools for surveillance, censorship, and the spread of disinformation.

She stressed the urgent need to reclaim digital platforms as spaces of truth and freedom, advocating for transparency from tech companies and accountability in their practices.  Karman called for the establishment of ethical standards in digital governance, emphasizing that the fight against disinformation and hate speech is paramount.

Here is the complete text of the speech:

I would say fear is natural, but silence is really dangerous. Silence allows injustice to persist. When I started my journey in defending human rights, expression rights, and women's rights—when I founded my organization “Women Journalists Without Chains,” and began the peaceful revolution against the dictator—I knew the risks. I faced threats, intimidation, and even violence. 

But I didn’t stop. Silence was never an option and will never be an option. Every time we speak out, we weaken tyrannies and oppression. Change begins with courage, often inspired by a single voice. You should know your voice matters; the world needs to hear it, and your people need to hear it. Your courage could be the spark that ignites change for someone else too.

Every time we speak out, we weaken tyrannies and oppression. Change begins with courage, often inspired by a single voice, and you should be this voice. You should know that your voice matters, and the world needs to hear it. Your people need to hear it.

Your courage could be the spark that ignites change for someone else too. As for the values guiding me, they are a commitment to freedom, justice, democracy, equality, resilience, hope, and a deep understanding of history. Freedom and justice are both rights and responsibilities, requiring us to speak up even in hardship. Resilience is crucial, especially in dark times.

It's about rising after every setback. History also gives me a lot of courage and knowledge. History teaches us that every revolution faces counter-revolutions, yet those who keep dreaming and struggling for their freedom and justice ultimately prevail. We will not stop until freedom, justice, and the rule of law become real realities.

I believe change is possible, and the will of the people will prevail. A free, just, peaceful future is within our reach. This belief inspires me and gives me the courage to continue my fight, knowing that victory will be with those who strive for freedom and justice. Each act of courage brings us closer to a world of democracy and nonviolence. I didn't stop, and I will not stop because every act on this path to support and help people truly matters and creates significant change.

My message to the global community about women's rights is that they are integral to the larger fight for freedom, justice, and democracy. Women today are not only fighting for their own rights but also leading battles against dictatorship, occupation, climate change, and inequality. Advancing women's rights is essential for a just and peaceful world. Empowered women create stronger economies, healthier societies, and resilient democracies.

I call on everyone—governments, institutions, NGOs, and individuals—to commit to environments where women's voices are valued, their rights protected, and their potential realized. Supporting women means upholding humanity's core values.

A future where women are free, equal, and empowered is one where freedom, justice, and democracy truly thrive. The unity of female leaders is a powerful force. When women from diverse backgrounds join together, we bring unique strengths that amplify our impact, challenge norms, and drive transformative change. Women-led efforts tackle global issues like inequality, peace, democracy, and environmental injustice by standing united. We women inspire others and send a clear message.

When we women unite, we drive progress and uplift communities. This unity empowers women to address systemic challenges, push for reforms, and demand accountability, which is very important. Accountability is at the core of our struggle. It showcases the resilience and vision of women, proving that together, there are no limits to what we can achieve.

A woman who inspired me first is, of course, my mother. She taught me to be strong, clever, and unafraid of others. In addition to my great mother, I am inspired by countless women in Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Africa, and Latin America. These women, despite immense challenges—war, oppression, societal barriers, and religious constraints—continue to raise their voices for freedom, dignity, democracy, and equality, fighting poverty.

These unrecognized heroes remind me of our collective power to create change. Another woman who inspires me is the Queen of Sheba, Bilqis. She symbolizes wisdom in Yemeni history, leading with strength and inclusion, valuing her people's voices. Her legacy fuels my belief in the power of women and the power of the people.

This inspires me to continue fighting for a world where freedom, justice, and democracy are rights for all. The quote I can share is: "We are the voice of the voiceless, the strength of those oppressed, and the unstoppable force building a world where freedom, dignity, justice, equality, democracy, and the rule of law are the birthright of every human being on the planet, not privileges granted by the few. We must forge the best future that everyone deserves, and we will not rest until this vision is a reality."

Regarding the digital space: it is a powerful platform for unity, advocacy, and global change, as we witnessed during the Arab Spring. We utilized it significantly in our battle against dictatorship. It amplifies voices, connects people across and within borders, and transforms individual actions into a collective force for change, communication, and love.

However, we must guard against its misuse, particularly by governments. Governments increasingly exploit digital tools for surveillance, censorship, and spreading disinformation. We need to reclaim digital platforms as spaces of truth and freedom, as the voice of the people, and we must fight against disinformation and hate speech. We must demand transparency from tech companies, accountability, and ethical standards in digital governance.

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