Our dear friend and partner Dr. Denis Mukwege of Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo accepts the Nobel Peace Prize today, alongside humanitarian, Nadia Murad. Both have dedicated their lives to ending sexual violence in countries of conflict and fragile states.
In 2015, Women for Women International honored Dr. Mukwege with our Champion of Peace Award. We present this award to select individuals who impact the economic, social, and political accomplishments that inspire women around the world to achieve their full potential and contribute to the future of their communities. And now we are thrilled that Dr. Mukwege and Nadia Murad, a woman once enslaved by ISIS- now a crusader for survivors of sexual violence, are being recognized on the world stage.
After witnessing and experiencing firsthand violence pressed upon women as a weapon, exposing this to the world became a part of their life’s missions. With regular threats upon their lives, they still choose to stand and give voice to many who have been silenced.