Denis Mukwege is a Congolese (D.R.C.) gynecologist, born on March 1, 1955 in Bukavu.
He studied medicine and specialized in obstetrics and gynecology in France. He holds a doctorate degree (PhD) in medical sciences from the Université Libre de Bruxelles where he is a Professor.
For over 20 years, Dr. Mukwege has been treating survivors of sexual violence and women with severe gynecological problems at the Panzi Hospital, which he founded in 1999.
The Hospital and Panzi Foundation are renowned for their pioneering work in specialized responses to sexual gender based violence, and their work in advocating for the rights and empowerment of Congolese women.
Doctor Mukwege is an outspoken advocate for the rights of survivors of sexual violence. He co-presides over the Global Survivors’ Fund, which he co-founded in 2019. He has also served on the Scientific Council of the WHO.
His action and dedication have been recognized worldwide with various awards among which the United Nations Human Rights Prize (2008), the Sakharov Prize (2014) and the Nobel Peace Prize (2018) as well as honorary degrees from different Universities.
Dr. Mukwege joined The Elders in 2024 and is the sixth African Elder to join the group since it was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, and the seventh Nobel Peace Laureate.
