Nobel Peace Prize, 2018
A surgeon in Bukavu, and a global voice against rape as a weapon of war.
A Congolese gynaecological surgeon, founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu and co-recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, awarded jointly with Nadia Murad for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
- 91,000+
- Survivors cared for
- 1999
- Panzi Hospital founded
- 2018
- Nobel Peace Prize
- 2024
- Aurora Humanitarian Award
At Panzi Hospital since 1999.
In Bukavu, South Kivu.
Jointly with Nadia Murad.
The most recent of the major honours.
Accomplishments
What has been built
2018Nobel Peace PrizeAwarded jointly with Nadia Murad “for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war”.
1999Founding Panzi HospitalOpened in Bukavu in 1999, the hospital became a referral centre for the care of survivors of sexual violence.
4 piliers / 4 pillarsThe holistic model of careA four-part model of care — medical, psychological, legal and socio-economic — developed at Panzi and adopted elsewhere.
2021“The Power of Women”A book combining clinical account and advocacy, drawn from two decades alongside survivors.
2012Address to the United NationsAn address to the General Assembly condemning impunity for sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
2014Sakharov Prize
2013Right Livelihood Award
2008Olof Palme Prize
BukavuProfessor, UEAA proud recipient of many awards, including:
The Journey
Chapters
Disciplines
One life, many practices
A gynaecological surgeon specialising in repairing injuries caused by sexual violence.02Founder
Founder of Panzi Hospital and the Panzi Foundation, in Bukavu.03Human rights defender
An international voice against the use of rape as a weapon of war.04Author
Author and essayist, including “The Power of Women”.05Educator
Professor at the Evangelical University in Africa, Bukavu.06Pastor
An ordained Pentecostal pastor, trained before medicine.Testimony
What people say about him
Denis Mukwege is the foremost, most unifying symbol, both nationally and internationally, of the struggle to end sexual violence in war and armed conflicts.
Nobel Peace Prize press release · 2018
SourceTranslated from the anglais
Denis Mukwege, we thank you for seeing the suffering and devoting your life to the battle for women and against sexual violence.
Nobel Prize award ceremony, Oslo · 2018
SourceTranslated from the anglais
With a towering presence, a disarming smile and a soft, soothing voice, he is a source of strength and sanctuary in a land of violence and despair—a forgotten war.
Jill BidenLifelong educator and wife of U.S. Vice President Joe BidenTIME 100, the 100 most influential people, 2016
SourceTranslated from the anglais
For his courageous work healing women survivors of war-time sexual violence and speaking up about its root causes.
Right Livelihood Award citation · 2013
SourceTranslated from the anglais
… he remains, above all, a healer of bodies and minds: a deeply courageous man, who is devoted to the care and protection of women.
Interview published in TIME · 2021
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Denis Mukwege has helped these women as a physician, but he has also been a fervent advocate of their cause and their human dignity.
Nobel Prize award ceremony, Oslo · 2018
SourceTranslated from the anglais
Denis Mukwege has made enemies by unconditionally taking the victim’s side.
Nobel Prize award ceremony, Oslo · 2018
SourceTranslated from the anglais
Writing
Articles
Shop
His books
The film
Muganga
The One Who Heals
The true story of a surgeon who refused to leave
Directed by Marie-Hélène Roux and released in cinemas on 24 September 2025, the film follows Dr Denis Mukwege’s fight, from the 1990s onwards, to treat women survivors of sexual violence in eastern DR Congo, and his meeting with the Belgian surgeon Guy-Bernard Cadière. It is adapted from the book “Panzi”.
Réalisation Marie-Hélène Roux · 2025 · 105 min · Français, Lingala, Swahili
Where to watch
Every link goes to the service itself. This site neither streams nor sells the film.
- Isaach de Bankoléas Denis Mukwege
- Vincent Macaigneas Guy Cadière
- Manon Breschas Maïa Cadière
- Babetida Sadjoas Blanche
- Déborah Lukumuenaas Busara
- Angelina Jolieas Production
Work
Publications, addresses and honours
Right now
Latest posts
- @DenisMukwegelast year
3 ans d’occupation de Bunagana — 13 juin 2025 Cela fait 3 ans jour pour jour que la cité frontalière commerciale stratégique de Bunagana, dans le territoire de Rutshuru au Nord-Kivu, est contrôlée par les rebelles du M23 soutenus par le régime de Kigali, acculant la population.
View the post - @DenisMukwege9 months ago
Déclaration à la suite de l’avancée des forces d’agression et d’occupation dans la province du Sud-Kivu — 13 décembre 2025 Nous exprimons notre étonnement à la lecture du communiqué du Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine du 11 décembre, appelant à la retenue face à l’agression.
View the post