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  1. Press releases and Statements
  2. Narges Mohammadi Becomes 19th Woman to be Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Narges Mohammadi Becomes 19th Woman to be Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Iranian women’s and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was named the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Oslo, Norway today. The Nobel Committee awarded her with the prize “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all”.  

Posted on October 6, 2023
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Narges Mohammadi will not be able to receive the prize in person, as she is serving a lengthy politically motivated prison sentence in Iran for challenging the regime. She becomes the fifth Nobel Peace Prize laureate to be awarded the prize while imprisoned. Narges Mohammadi has worked with Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Shirin Ebadi extensively in the movement for justice and rights in Iran, including serving as the vice president and spokesperson of the Defenders of Human Rights Center co-established by Dr Ebadi.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2003, Dr Shirin Ebadi, comments: 

"I hope that the Peace Prize awarded to Narges Mohammadi for her brave work for women’s and human rights will help to bring more attention to Iran, and specifically the women’s fight for democracy. Because it is women who will open the doors to democracy.”

Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative, Maria Butler, comments:  

“On behalf of Nobel Women’s Initiative, we honor the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi. Narges has courageously fought violence, hate, and the systemic oppression of women – increasingly recognized as gender apartheid - in Iran. This prize recognizes her struggle and the ongoing revolution of Iranian women, and women fighting for Woman Life Freedom everywhere.” 

Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2011, Leymah Gbowee, comments:

"This is a true moment for every activist in the world. Those who are free and those who are not free - your advocacy will not go unnoticed. We need to speak out regardless of the threats. Narges is a clear example of someone who has sacrificed not just her life, but also her interactions with her children for humanity and for the rights of women in Iran. I am truly happy and grateful that she is finally getting the kind of recognition that she deserves."

Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2011, Tawakkol Karman, comments:

"Narges Mohammadi is receiving this prize in prison. She, like so many other human rights defenders, have been persecuted for their work defending our rights. Human rights defenders are heroes, not criminals. There needs to be so much more action, from everyone, everywhere, to make sure human rights defenders are freed. Dear Sister Narges - your victory is well-deserved, your struggle is our struggle, and your freedom is our freedom. Thank you for your great sacrifice for the Iranian people, people in our region,  activists unjustly imprisoned by the oppressive Iranian regime, and humanity as a whole."

Nobel Peace Prize laureate 1992, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, comments:

"I am deeply pleased and salute the designation of Sister Narges Mohammadi as the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. This recognition also honors and recognizes the struggle of defenders of human rights criminalized by States, especially it is a recognition of the dignity of women who, with their courage, determination and persistence, have made their lives a trace of resistance that dignifies humanity."

Nobel Peace Prize laureate 1997, Jody Williams, adds:

"Congratulations to Narges and to the courageous women of Iran."

In her letter from prison in Tehran in December 2022, Narges Mohammadi expressed her belief that Iran's "brave, resilient, lively and hopeful women" would attain victory. "Victory means establishing democracy, peace and human rights and ending tyranny," she added. "We will not back down." 

Narges Mohammadi becomes the 19th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, compared to over 90 men.  

Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative, Maria Butler, adds:  

“Too often in times of conflict women are seen only as victims, their contributions to justice and peace-building are overlooked, and their voices excluded. We are thrilled to see the crucial roles women play in fighting for peace, justice and freedom being increasingly recognized. At the same time, Narges’ imprisonment is reflective of the dangers faced by human rights defenders - especially women. NWI has called for the immediate release of Narges Mohammadi since she was first imprisoned.” 

Today, the laureates of Nobel Women’s Initiative unite in congratulating Narges Mohammadi for her highly deserved award, and demanding the government of Iran to immediately and unconditionally release her from prison in Iran. 

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Daina Ruduša  

Head of Media and Communications  

Nobel Women’s Initiative  

[email protected]  

+371 25585212 (EEST timezone)

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