Denis Mukwege, Nadia Murad: Nobel Laureates



A day when two solo crusaders against war-zone rape win the Nobel Peace Prize: it doesn’t get better than this.

by Melisa Hemingway, Feminine-Perspective Magazine Senior Staff Writer

2018 Nobel Peace Prize WinnersDenis Mukwege (left) Nadia Murad (right): 2018 Nobel Peace Laureates : Art by Rosa Yamamoto, Feminine Perspective Magazine, original photographs are each WikiCommons.

At a time when the institutions of the world are struggling to cope  with the enormous case load of survivors of war-zone sexual violence, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has itself done something incredible. Drawing attention to the need to end war-time sexual violence came as an unexpected kudo for all the hardworking volunteers with Civil Society who devote their lives to opposing sexual violence as a weapon of war.

Presently there are over 50 armed conflicts around the world and on at least three continents, women and children are subjected to brutal sexual violence.

In awarding the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize to these two solo actors, the committee’s statement reads, “both laureates have made a crucial contribution to focusing attention on, and combating, war crimes.

Denis Mukwege is the helper who has devoted his life to defending these victims.

Nadia Murad is the witness who tells of the abuses perpetrated against herself and others.

“Each of them in their own way has helped to give greater visibility to war-time sexual violence, so that the perpetrators can be held accountable for their actions.”

Nadia Murad, 25, winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

Denis Mukwege, 63, winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.0