WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday extended her "heartfelt" congratulations to the three women sharing the Nobel Peace Prize this year.

She called Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman and Liberian peace activist Leymah Roberta Gbowee, recipients of the prize, "shining examples of the difference that women can make and the progress they can help achieve when given the opportunity to make decisions about the future of their societies and countries."

"The unflinching courage, strength and leadership of these women to build peace, advance reconciliation, and defend the rights of fellow citizens in their own countries provide inspiration for women's rights and human progress everywhere," said Clinton in a statement.

"I want to commend the Nobel Committee for recognizing the powerful role women are playing in building peace and ending conflict around the world," she added.

Clinton is a staunch defender of women's rights and roles in their respective countries.