Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Olga Tokarczuk Joins NWI

Olga Tokarczuk was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature and is internationally recognized not only for her writing, but also for her public engagement in support of democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, equality, and environmental responsibility. She is the founder of the Olga Tokarczuk Foundation, which supports culture and the arts, human rights, democracy, civil society, civil liberties, women’s rights, equality, freedom of expression, and environmental protection. In 2025, she was appointed Vice President of PEN International.

Olga is the first Nobel Prize in Literature laureate to join Nobel Women’s Initiative, marking an important moment for the organization and recognizing the vital role that literature and freedom of expression can play in expanding empathy, challenging injustice, and opening space for new ideas and perspectives. She brings her voice and experience to a global community of women Nobel laureates united in building peace, defending justice, championing equality, and advancing human rights.

“I am thrilled to welcome Olga to Nobel Women’s Initiative on behalf of my Nobel sisters,” said Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and founding member of NWI. “Those who cling to power don’t just fear activists. They fear writers, journalists, and anyone who makes people question the status quo. Olga has spent her career doing exactly that. Through her work, she challenges power, expands our capacity to see the world through one another’s eyes, and inspires us to imagine a more just and peaceful future.”

Across the world, women continue to challenge systems and narratives that have too often excluded their voices and perspectives. Many face censorship, intimidation, and attacks for doing so. Building solidarity among women who speak out, defend freedom, challenge injustice, and expand the space for human dignity and equality has never been more important. 

“I am delighted to join this group,” said Olga Tokarczuk upon accepting the invitation to join NWI. “This is an extremely important initiative with global significance. I believe women’s voices should be heard ever more clearly in a world where male narratives still dominate. I am convinced that such a community and collaboration among women can have a meaningful impact and a strong presence in the public and information spheres."

“Welcoming Olga is an important moment for Nobel Women’s Initiative,” said Maria Butler, Executive Director. “Her work reminds us of the power of stories to expand empathy, challenge injustice, and open new ways of seeing the world. At a time when women who speak out — whether through activism, journalism, literature, or other forms of public expression — face increasing pressure and attack, building solidarity across movements and disciplines is essential. We are honoured to welcome Olga’s voice and perspective into this extraordinary community of women Nobel laureates."

Olga Tokarczuk joins NWI members Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Tawakkol Karman, Leymah Gbowee, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Oleksandra Matviichuk, Narges Mohammadi, and Maria Ressa, strengthening a global community of women Nobel laureates working across disciplines to build peace, defend justice, champion equality, and advance human rights.

Photo credit: Olga Tokarczuk Foundation.

END

Nobel Women’s Initiative is led by nine women Nobel laureates - Jody Williams (USA), Shirin Ebadi (Iran), Tawakkol Karman (Yemen), Leymah Gbowee (Liberia), Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Guatemala), Narges Mohammadi (Iran), Maria Ressa (Philippines), Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine) and Olga Tokarczuk (Poland). Nobel Women’s Initiative brings together women Nobel laureates united in action with courageous women leading peace around the world. Together, we leverage collective power to amplify non-violent solutions, defend justice and champion equality for all.