Dr. Denis MukwegeThe National Endowment for Democracy (NED) congratulates Dr. Denis Mukwege, the winner of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, which he received jointly with Iraqi Yazidi activist Nadia Murad, both of whom are leading campaigners against rape as a weapon of war.
A courageous gynecologist and founder of the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dr. Mukwege made it his mission to treat the horrific injuries suffered by thousands of women who were victims of violent rape by the combatants in the protracted and brutal war in Eastern Congo.
In 2014, to amplify the need for justice and security sector reform in the DRC, NED made a grant to help fund a documentary about Dr. Mukwege’s heroic work. “The Man who Mends Women,” was an award-winning film by director Thierry Michele and Collette Brackeman, co-produced by Les Films de la Passarelle and Ryva Productions.
Screened throughout Congo and internationally, including the United Nations, the House of Commons, and the European Parliament, the film raised awareness of atrocities committed by the Congolese army and armed groups against women in Eastern Congo and highlighted Dr. Mukwege’s achievements through his work to empower victims of sexual violence.
“Denis Mukwege is a model of courage and compassion, attributes that are sorely needed in today’s world,” said NED President Carl Gershman. “We congratulate and thank him for his work.”
