Shirin Ebadi

Once you reach later life, it's harder to believe in heroes. But Shirin Ebadi is exactly that to me. Her personal courage, commitment to the rule of law and determination to defend the weak against injustice are qualities that mark out an extraordinary lawyer. But then there are her achievements.

The first female judge in Iran's history. The first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. A forceful campaigner for human rights. An example to us all, as a devout Muslim, that faith and moderation, tradition and modernity can go hand...