Most 'liked' in Yemen: Meeting Tawakkol Karman

As one of the most daring activists in the Arab world, Tawakkol Abdul-Salam Karman has a huge following online and her words are shared by tens of thousands of supporters.

Analysis

1 min read

Adel al-Ahmadi

12 January, 2015

Karman is viewed as an important advocate of women's rights in Yemen [AFP]

With two million followers on Facebook, Tawakkol Abdul-Salam Karman is unsurprisingly Yemen's leading online celebrity.

The first Arab woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize beat pop stars, poiticians, activists and footballers to the top spot, and said she would be celebrating this milestone on Friday.

Activists say they use Karman's Facebook feed as a source of the latest news, and that the posts she shares receive thousands of "likes", shares, and comments. Some are saying that her Facebook page has become a brand in its own right.

In a statement to al-Araby al-Jadeed, Karman thanked her online disciples, and said her page was a space for cultural exchange and constructive discussions. She is also using her online presence as a platform to expose corruption and defend personal freedoms and human rights.

"I respect Yemeni leaders even if I disagree with them," she said.

Her critical posts are often sharply worded. With 500,000 followers on Twitter added to her Facebook fans, she is one of the most influential, respected - and feared - women in the Arab world.

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.