# Irom Chanu Sharmila

> Indian civil rights activist

**Wikidata**: [Q467322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q467322)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irom_Sharmila_Chanu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irom-chanu-sharmila

## Summary
Irom Chanu Sharmila is an Indian civil rights activist, poet, and journalist known for her 16-year hunger strike protesting the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur. Often called the "Iron Lady of Manipur," she became a global symbol of nonviolent resistance and human rights advocacy.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 14, 1972
- **Nationality**: Indian
- **Known for**: Civil rights activism, poetry, and journalism
- **Occupation**: Civil rights activist, poet, journalist, writer, peace activist
- **Field(s)**: Human rights, literature, journalism

## Contributions
Irom Chanu Sharmila is best known for her 16-year hunger strike (2000–2016) against the AFSPA, a law granting sweeping powers to the Indian military in conflict zones. Her protest drew international attention to human rights abuses in Manipur and inspired global activism. She has also published poetry and written on social justice, using literature to amplify her advocacy.

## FAQs
**What is Irom Chanu Sharmila known for?**
Irom Chanu Sharmila is renowned for her 16-year hunger strike (2000–2016) protesting the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, making her a symbol of nonviolent resistance and human rights activism.

**What awards has Irom Chanu Sharmila received?**
She was awarded the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights in 2007, recognizing her courageous activism and commitment to peace and justice.

**What other roles has Irom Chanu Sharmila held?**
Beyond activism, she is a poet, journalist, and writer, using literature to advocate for social change and human rights.

**Why is Irom Chanu Sharmila called the "Iron Lady of Manipur"?**
The nickname reflects her unwavering resolve during her prolonged hunger strike and her steadfast dedication to civil rights in Manipur.

## Why They Matter
Irom Chanu Sharmila’s activism brought global attention to the AFSPA and its impact on human rights in Manipur. Her nonviolent protest inspired movements worldwide, demonstrating the power of individual resistance against systemic injustice. Her work as a poet and journalist further amplified marginalized voices, blending art and activism to drive social change.

## Notable For
- 16-year hunger strike (2000–2016) against the AFSPA
- Recipient of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights (2007)
- Nicknamed the "Iron Lady of Manipur" for her resilience
- Poet and journalist advocating for human rights
- Symbol of nonviolent resistance in India and beyond

## Body
### Early Life and Activism
Irom Chanu Sharmila was born on March 14, 1972, in Manipur, India. She began her activism in 2000, launching a hunger strike to protest the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which granted broad powers to the military in conflict zones. Her protest lasted 16 years, making it one of the longest hunger strikes in history.

### Hunger Strike and Global Recognition
Sharmila’s hunger strike drew international attention to human rights abuses in Manipur. She was force-fed via nasogastric intubation for most of her protest, becoming a symbol of nonviolent resistance. In 2007, she received the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, further cementing her legacy as a civil rights icon.

### Literary and Journalistic Work
Beyond activism, Sharmila is a poet and journalist. Her writings often explore themes of justice, peace, and human rights, using literature to advocate for social change. Her work has been published in various formats, contributing to public discourse on civil liberties.

### Legacy and Influence
Sharmila’s activism inspired global movements and highlighted the plight of marginalized communities in conflict zones. Her blend of art and activism has influenced younger generations of human rights defenders, ensuring her impact endures beyond her hunger strike.

### Awards and Honors
- **Gwangju Prize for Human Rights (2007)**: Recognized for her courageous activism and commitment to peace and justice.

### Related Fields and Influence
Sharmila’s work intersects with human rights, literature, and journalism. Her activism has influenced policy debates on military powers and civil liberties, while her poetry and writing continue to inspire social justice movements.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q643397)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/5348414.stm)
5. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36894139)
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. Catalogo of the National Library of India