Navi Pillay, the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has won the Nobel Peace Prize this October 9.
The South African jurist played a key role in the anti-apartheid movement, served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and recently led a UN commission that concluded Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Pillay "held states and national leaders accountable and brought hope to the victims of violence and conflict," and is recognized for her "efforts to promote peace and international law," the Norwegian Nobel Committee says.
Indeed, ever since the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901, the award has been considered one of the highest honors an individual can receive. Awards are given out each year, in the categories of physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economics (one per category).
The Nobel Foundation describes the medal as an award given to “those who ... have conferred the greatest benefit to Mankind.” Since 1901, there have been more than 1,000 recipients of this prestigious honor, but out of those Nobel Laureates only 68 have been women. Thankfully, this number is rising quicker and quicker as time goes on, and more and more of the incredible women who shape our world for the better are getting the recognition they deserve.
In this gallery, take a look back on some of the wonderful women who have become Nobel Laureates. Click on for more.