Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has honored those advancing global peace, human rights, and democracy. Yet, out of more than 140 laureates, only 21 have been women. Each broke barriers, championed justice, and redefined what peace means in their era. In 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado joined that distinguished group, becoming the first Venezuelan and the sixth woman from Latin America to receive the award. Her recognition renews global focus on women’s leadership in times of conflict and crisis. Here’s a look at six remarkable women — past and present — whose courage and conviction helped change the course of history.

The First Winner: Bertha von Suttner (1843 – 1914)

In 1905, Bertha von Suttner became the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She was recognized for her pioneering advocacy of pacifism and disarmament in Europe. A novelist and intellectual from Austria, she authored 1889’s “Lay Down Your Arms,” which challenged militarism and inspired early 20th-century peace movements. Von Suttner played a central role in the International Peace Bureau and helped shape the emerging dialogue on diplomacy, arbitration, and moral responsibility in global affairs. Her correspondence with close friend Alfred Nobel is believed to have influenced his decision to establish the Peace Prize itself. Through her writing and activism, Bertha von Suttner paved the way for women in international advocacy, and she remains a symbol of courage and intellect in the pursuit of peace.

Witnesses to Change: Betty Williams (1943 – 2020) & Mairead Corrigan

1976 made history when the Peace Prize was awarded to two women: Ireland’s Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan. They were honored for their efforts to end sectarian violence during the 30+ year ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles. After witnessing the tragic deaths of three children in West Belfast, the two women founded Women for Peace, later the Community for Peace People, a grassroots movement promoting reconciliation between Catholic and Protestant communities. Their leadership inspired mass peace marches and international awareness of the human cost of conflict. Williams and Corrigan focused on dialogue, education, and nonviolence as tools for lasting social change. Their work demonstrated how ordinary citizens, led by compassion, courage, and even frustration, could challenge decades of division and advocate for peace from the ground up.

A Trailblazer Among Trailblazers: Wangari Maathai (1940 – 2011)

Wangari Maathai of Kenya received the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her extraordinary contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was also the first woman from East and Central Africa to take a doctorate in biology and the first female professor in Kenya.

Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which mobilized women to plant millions of trees across Africa to combat deforestation, restore ecosystems, and improve livelihoods. Maathai’s work connected environmental conservation with social and political empowerment, emphasizing that protecting natural resources is essential to achieving stability and equality. As the first African woman to win the Peace Prize, she inspired global awareness of how environmental action and human rights are deeply intertwined. Her legacy endures as a model for grassroots leadership and environmental justice worldwide.

The Youngest Winner Ever: Malala Yousafzai

From Mingora, Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai received the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous advocacy for girls’ education and children’s rights. At just 17, she became the youngest Nobel laureate in history. After surviving a shooting attack by extremists from the Taliban in 2012, she continued her activism on a global scale, co-founding the Malala Fund to support access to education for girls in vulnerable communities. Her work has drawn international attention to the barriers millions of young women face in pursuing learning and equality. Malala’s unwavering commitment to education and peace has made her a powerful voice for youth and human rights around the world.

A New Chapter: María Corina Machado

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize went to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader recognized for her commitment to democracy, nonviolence, and human rights in Latin America. Machado has been one of Venezuela’s most outspoken critics of authoritarianism, advocating peaceful reform and free elections despite censorship and repeated threats. Her award marks the first time a Venezuelan has received a Nobel Prize of any kind. By honoring her efforts, the Nobel Committee spotlighted the ongoing struggle for democratic freedoms in the region. Machado’s recognition underscores how political courage, especially by women in leadership, continues to shape the global conversation about peace and governance.

Source: The Nobel Peace Prize