Women will not give up. We are fuelled by a will to survive, whether we are inside prison or outside.
Narges Mohammadi, Noble Peace Prize Winner 2023
The Norwegian committee of the Nobel Prize has always been known to recognize the humans who have given the world a new direction, with categories like peace and science being its focus. Throughout its history, the Nobel Prize has honored brilliant individuals who have made significant contributions to this world. Since its inception in 1901, 64 women have been awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize, with Marie Curie being the only woman who has received it twice. From Mother Teresa to Malala Yousafzai, the women of the world have always stood against prejudices. A fact that gets buried among the male Nobel Prize winners is that Alfred Nobel added peace as a category because of his friendship with a woman activist, Bertha Von Suttner.Â
Women started winning this prestigious award merely three years after its inception, with the first awardee being Marie Curie. The 119th Nobel Prize recipient Annie Erneaux said, “To receive the Nobel Prize is, for me, a responsibility to continue speaking from my condition as a woman, it does not seem to me that we, women, have become equal in freedom, in power.” She claimed her success as a collective victory on behalf of women, a minority whose history and achievements have been overshadowed in the patriarchal world.Â
Some of the most notable wins have been that of Malala Yousufzai, Wangari Maathai, and recently that of Narges Mohammadi. The story is for the history books and would always inspire women to fight against all odds.Â
The Nobel Prize committee recognized Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2023. Her fight stems from the Iranian revolution of 1979 where she witnessed her family imprisoned for protesting against the theocratic government. Her path toward activism started in the 1990s when she began writing articles for several newspapers. She also worked as an engineer. In 2003, she became associated with the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC) in Tehran, an organization founded by Shirin Ebadi – the first Iranian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.
Throughout her years of activism, Mohammadi faced numerous challenges, including multiple arrests and imprisonments. The most recent imprisonment followed the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody for allegedly violating Iran’s hijab laws. Mohammadi, despite being incarcerated, played a crucial role in organizing solidarity protests, showcasing her unwavering commitment to justice and human dignity.
Mohammadi’s story resonates not only within Iran but also on a global scale. Her recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize further amplifies the voices of Iranian women activists who have long fought for equality and freedom. It also highlights the unfinished struggle for equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race.
As we celebrate Mohammadi’s achievement, it is crucial to remember the countless women who continue to fight for change in Iran and beyond. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in justice serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for us all. These remarkable wins by women worldwide have broken down barriers, shaped human knowledge, and driven positive change in various fields. They are a testament to the power of determination, intelligence, and resilience. Narges Mohammadi’s recent win continues to serve as a reminder that women continue to play a vital role in advancing peace and justice on a global scale. We must strive to create a world where women, like Mohammadi, can freely exercise their rights and contribute their invaluable perspectives to building a more just and equitable future.