Vital Voices, Salwa Bugaighis, 1963 - 2014

Today we're outraged and saddened at the assassination of Salwa Bugaighis, a human rights lawyer and tireless activist who committed herself to defending the ideals of equality, freedom and peace. A key figure in the Libyan Revolution, Salwa refused to be silenced by fear and became a one-woman force for political reform. She used her voice to advocate for women’s equitable and meaningful participation in the political process. Her leadership and hopeful vision for a Libya free of oppression, violence, and injustice inspired and galvanized others. Vital Voices was proud to honor Salwa – along with four other women transforming the Middle East and North Africa – with our Global Trailblazer Award in 2012. Salwa has been silenced for her courage to speak out. Her life, and tragic death, reminds us that without voices that demand human rights, societies are stalled and our shared progress is threatened. We at Vital Voices – and the thousands of women in our global network – mourn the loss of Salwa. Not only was she was an activist, but she was a friend and mentor to many, as well a devoted wife and loving mother. Her death represents a huge loss to her extraordinary family and to the Libyan people as a whole.