Shirin Ebadi

Shirin Ebadi was born in Iran in 1947. She grew up to become a lawyer and judge. She has spent her life working to protect children and women. In 2003, she became the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Becoming a Judge

Shirin studied law at the University of Tehran. She became the first woman judge in Iran. But new rules said women could not be judges, so she had to leave that job. She became a lawyer instead and helped people in need.

Helping Others

Shirin took on hard cases that no one else wanted. She stood up for women, children, and people who were treated unfairly. She had to go to jail for her work. Today she lives in another country, but she keeps fighting for peace.

Fun Facts

• She was the first Iranian to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
• She wrote a book about her life called Iran Awakening.
• She started a group to help defend children's rights in Iran.

Did You Know?

Shirin Ebadi gave much of her Nobel Prize money to human rights groups to help more people.