Yazidi-Iraqi activist Nadia Murad and Congolese gynaecologist Dr. Denis Mukwege have received this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for their incredible work against sexual violence in conflict to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. Both are strong campaigners who have highlighted the stories of survivors and worked tirelessly to end impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence, despite great threat to their own personal safety.
Ms. Murad was kidnapped by the Islamic State in 2014 and sold into sexual slavery. She narrowly escaped with her life after enduring horrific sexual violence. Since then, she has bravely recounted her story over and over around the world to call for support and justice for Yazidi women survivors of sexual violence.
Since founding the Panzi hospital in 1999 in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Mukwege has not only saved countless lives but also dedicated his work to spotlighting the plight of Congolese women. The teaching hospital is known for its support of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
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2018 Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Yazidi Activist and Congolese Doctor, New York Times, October 5 2018.
Nobel peace prize goes to campaigners against sexual violence, The Guardian, October 5 2018.
Visit the Panzi Foundation website.