Denis Mukwege

Denis Mukwege, born on March first, nineteen fifty-five, is a prominent Congolese humanitarian, gynecologist, and Pentecostal pastor. He is best known for founding and operating the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where he dedicates his expertise to treating women who have suffered from sexual violence, particularly in the context of armed conflict.

Since the onset of the Second Congo War, Mukwege has treated thousands of women, often performing up to ten surgeries a day during his grueling seventeen-hour workdays. His remarkable commitment to healing has earned him recognition as one of the world's leading experts in repairing injuries caused by rape.

In recognition of his tireless efforts, Mukwege was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in two thousand thirteen for his courageous work in supporting survivors of wartime sexual violence. His advocacy for justice has not come without risks; he has faced numerous death threats and even survived an assassination attempt in two thousand twelve, prompting him and his family to leave the Democratic Republic of the Congo temporarily.

In two thousand eighteen, Mukwege was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Iraqi Yazidi activist Nadia Murad for their shared commitment to ending the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Most recently, on October second, two thousand twenty-three, he announced his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming general election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ultimately finishing in sixth place with thirty-nine thousand six hundred thirty-nine votes.