Women in History · Head-to-head

Wilma Mankiller vs Shirin Ebadi

Yes — based on their recorded years, Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010) and Shirin Ebadi (born 1947) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.

Years1945–2010born 1947
CountryUnited StatesIran
RegionAmericasMiddle East & North Africa
Known forPrincipal Chief of the Cherokee NationLawyer and human rights activist
BornTahlequah, Oklahoma, United StatesHamadan, Iran
DiedStilwell, Oklahoma, United StatesN/A

Wilma Mankiller

The first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, remembered for her decades of activism and leadership on Native American community issues.

Key achievements

  • Became the first woman elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995
  • Worked as a community developer and social worker before entering tribal politics
  • Participated in the Native American occupation of Alcatraz Island in the late 1960s
  • Advocated for healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements within the Cherokee Nation

Fast fact

Mankiller was involved in the 1969-1971 occupation of Alcatraz Island, an early and influential act of Native American activism that helped shape her later political career.

Full profile of Wilma Mankiller →

Shirin Ebadi

Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer and human rights activist who became the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 2003 for her work on democracy and human rights.

Key achievements

  • Became one of Iran's first female judges before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
  • Founded the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran.
  • Advocated for democracy, women's rights, and children's rights within Iran's legal system.
  • Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to do so.

Fast fact

Ebadi was one of Iran's first female judges before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, after which women were barred from serving as judges, prompting her to become a human rights lawyer instead.

Full profile of Shirin Ebadi →
Who lived first, Wilma Mankiller or Shirin Ebadi?

Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010) lived first, before Shirin Ebadi (born 1947), based on their recorded years.

Were Wilma Mankiller and Shirin Ebadi contemporaries?

Yes — based on their recorded years, Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010) and Shirin Ebadi (born 1947) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.

What do Wilma Mankiller and Shirin Ebadi have in common?

Both Wilma Mankiller and Shirin Ebadi are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.