Leymah Gbowee founded and led a women's organization, Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, which proved critical in bringing an end to the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003. Gbowee and other female leaders organized rallies in fish markets, led large marches, and coordinated women's strikes and sit-ins to pressure negotiators to reach a peace deal. Her efforts to end the war ushered in a period of peace and enabled a free election that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won in 2005. The two women, along with Tawakkol Karman of Yemen, were awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to advance women's rights and achieve lasting peace.