When Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, she was unable to accept the prize from prison. The military dictatorship controlling her country, Burma, had placed her under house arrest for her efforts to establish a democratic government.

Aung San Suu Kyi grew up as the daughter of a slain national leader, but did not dream that she herself would one day lead her people in their struggle for democracy and human rights. Despite threats and violent attacks against her, Aung San Suu Kyi has continued to teach nonviolence, following in the footsteps of such leaders as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Her leadership, determination, and quiet courage have united a country and inspired the world.