By Ashoka Mallawarachi
Over the past decade (2015–2024), numerous remarkable women have been honored with Nobel Prizes across various categories, reflecting their significant contributions to science, literature, and peace. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we highlight these distinguished laureates and their groundbreaking achievements.
1. Svetlana Alexievich (Belarus) – Nobel Prize in Literature, 2015
Svetlana Alexievich, a Belarusian investigative journalist and author, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015. Her work, characterized by meticulously crafted narratives based on interviews, provides profound insights into the Soviet and post-Soviet individual. Notable works include “War’s Unwomanly Face” and “Voices from Chernobyl,” which delve into the human experiences behind historical events.
2. Tu Youyou (China) – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2015
Tu Youyou, a Chinese pharmaceutical chemist, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015 for her discovery of artemisinin, a groundbreaking therapy for malaria. Her work, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has saved millions of lives globally and remains a cornerstone in malaria treatment.
3. Olga Tokarczuk (Poland) – Nobel Prize in Literature, 2018
Olga Tokarczuk, a Polish author, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018 for her narrative imagination that, with encyclopedic passion, represents the crossing of boundaries as a form of life. Her notable works include “Flights” and “The Books of Jacob.”
4. Louise Glück (USA) – Nobel Prize in Literature, 2020
Louise Glück, an American poet, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020 for her unmistakable poetic voice that, with austere beauty, makes individual existence universal. Her notable works include “The Wild Iris” and “Averno.”
5. Annie Ernaux (France) – Nobel Prize in Literature, 2022
Annie Ernaux, a French author, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2022 for the courage and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements, and collective restraints of personal memory. Her notable works include “The Years” and “Happening.”
6. Carolyn R. Bertozzi (USA) – Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2022
Carolyn R. Bertozzi, an American chemist, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2022 for the development of bioorthogonal chemistry, a chemical reaction that can occur inside living systems without interfering with native biochemical processes. Her work has significant implications for both diagnostics and therapeutics.
7. Katalin Karikó (Hungary) – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2023
Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian biochemist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 for her discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for the rapid development of mRNA-based vaccines during the pandemic.
8. Claudia Goldin (USA) – Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, 2023
Claudia Goldin, an American economic historian, received the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2023 for advancing our understanding of women’s labor market outcomes. Her extensive research has shed light on the factors influencing women’s participation in the workforce and the persistent gender wage gap.
9. Han Kang (South Korea) – Nobel Prize in Literature, 2024
Han Kang, a South Korean novelist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024 for her powerful work reflecting on human pain and violence, deeply intertwined with Eastern thinking. Her notable novel, “The Vegetarian,” explores themes of human suffering and resilience.
10. Anne L’Huillier (France) – Nobel Prize in Physics, 2023
Anne L’Huillier, a French physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2023 for her experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics in matter. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of ultrafast processes in physics.
11. Narges Mohammadi (Iran) – Nobel Peace Prize, 2023
Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her efforts to promote human rights and freedom for all. Her courageous activism has been pivotal in advocating for women’s rights in Iran.
These exceptional women have made indelible marks in their respective fields, embodying the spirit of innovation, resilience, and advocacy. Their achievements continue to inspire and pave