Full Breakdown
Leymah Gbowee and Gloria Steinem: A Sisterhood of Activism in "Rise, Girl, Rise"
3/9/2026, 10:59:00 PM
Friendship Across Continents
Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Liberia, and Gloria Steinem, a prominent American feminist, have forged a deep friendship that transcends geographical boundaries. Their bond, initially sparked by a mutual acquaintance, filmmaker Abigail Disney, has blossomed into a collaborative project aimed at inspiring future generations. Gbowee recalls being "starstruck" upon meeting Steinem, while Steinem acknowledges Gbowee as a "global celebrity" and a unifying figure in activism.
The Birth of "Rise, Girl, Rise"
Their friendship culminated in the creation of "Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together For All," a picture book designed for children. This work serves as both a joint biography and a call to action for young readers, emphasizing themes of activism, sisterhood, and equality. The book features vivid illustrations by Kah Yangni and recounts their childhood experiences—Gbowee's upbringing in Liberia and Steinem's travels across the United States in a trailer with her family.
Conversations That Inspire
The two activists have shared pivotal conversations that shaped their perspectives on feminism and activism. Gbowee cites a significant discussion with Steinem during Easter Sunday in 2009, where Steinem emphasized the importance of having a supportive "sister" in the movement. This conversation helped Gbowee reaffirm her commitment to feminism during a challenging period in her life.
A Collaborative Effort
The idea for their book emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gbowee began writing more frequently. After connecting with Scholastic, she proposed collaborating with Steinem, who was readily accepted as a co-author. Steinem expressed a desire to communicate and connect through storytelling, highlighting their shared childhood interests and kinship with nature.
Target Audience and Broader Implications
While the book is titled "Rise, Girl, Rise," both authors believe its message is universal. Gbowee suggests that the book is appropriate for children as young as five, aiming to impart values of love and acceptance. Steinem notes that the ongoing discussions among activists in her home reflect a broader concern about the political landscape, particularly the lack of female representation in leadership roles in the United States.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite their shared vision, some may argue that the book's focus on female empowerment could inadvertently alienate male readers. However, both authors assert that the themes of love and acceptance are relevant to all children, regardless of gender.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just starstruck,” — Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize Winner
- “She’s a GLOBAL celebrity,” — Gloria Steinem, Feminist Icon
- “One of the reasons you feel the way you’re feeling is because you need a sister.” — Gloria Steinem
- “STEINEM: First of all, we wanted to communicate, to write, to somehow connect with each other despite the global distance.” — Gloria Steinem
- “I mean, we’re choosing from half the country’s talent.” — Gloria Steinem
Through "Rise, Girl, Rise," Gbowee and Steinem aim to inspire a new generation of activists, emphasizing the importance of sisterhood and collective action in the pursuit of equality.
