The announcement of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on 10 October 2025, highlighted democracy as a core condition of lasting peace, and the crucial role of women in peacebuilding.
María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader, was named the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Oslo, Norway today “for her work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” She becomes only the 20th woman to receive the prize.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee emphasized that “democracy is a precondition for peace. Yet today, we live in a world where democracy is increasingly under threat—where authoritarian regimes challenge norms and rights, and turn ever more readily to violence.”
Maria Butler, Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative, commented:
“The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize affirms the vital role of women’s leadership in the struggle for democracy and human rights. Courage and persistence in the face of repression embody the resilience of countless women around the world who are defending freedom and dignity through peaceful means.”
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman (Yemen) added:
“María Corina Machado from Venezuela wins the Nobel Peace Prize — a recognition for her fight for democracy and freedom, for her people. This is a big victory for women around the world. It is also important that this year’s Nobel Peace Prize comes for the cause of democracy — a reminder that defending democracy is the most urgent and important mission of our time.”
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi (Iran) shared:
"The democratic transition from tyranny to democracy is our shared path. I am certain that we will consolidate democracy and overthrow the dictatorship. Hand in hand until the day of victory."
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi (Iran) added:
"The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is a clear message to women fighting in non-democratic countries that their struggles are recognized and appreciated."
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee (Liberia) added:
"Good always overcomes evil and truth over tyranny."
Maria Corina Machado becomes only the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize—a reminder of the still-limited recognition of women’s critical contributions to peace and justice.
Nobel Women’s Initiative stands in solidarity with with people striving to build inclusive, democratic, and peaceful societies. We remain committed to amplifying the voices and leadership of women peace-builders everywhere.
END.
Media Contact:
Daina Ruduša
Nobel Women’s Initiative is led by eight women Nobel Peace Prize laureates - Jody Williams (USA), Shirin Ebadi (Iran), Tawakkol Karman (Yemen), Leymah Gbowee (Liberia), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Guatemala), Narges Mohammadi (Iran), Maria Ressa (Philippines) and Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine). Women are crucial to attaining lasting peace, and yet in times of war and conflict they are seen as victims, and too often excluded from formal peace-building processes. The laureates know the importance of women peacebuilders, and the challenges they face firsthand. At NWI they work together to use the platform and access that the Nobel Peace Prize offers to elevate the voices and support the work of women peace activists around the world.