Journalist Maria Ressa was recognized for her courageous fight to defend press freedom in the Philippines and won a Nobel Peace Prize
Journalist, author, and CEO, Maria Ressa was recently declared the recipient, along with Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov, of the prestigious 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. The award was given to them for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, essential for democracy and lasting peace.
The committee said that Ressa and Muratov are “representatives of all journalists who stand up for this ideal.” The pair were chosen out of 329 candidates. In reaction to her win, Ressa said in a live broadcast that, “A world without facts means a world without truth and trust. And if you don’t have any of those things, you certainly can’t conquer coronavirus, can’t conquer climate change.” The woman of the hour, Ressa, made history as the the first Nobel Prize winner from the Philippines.
Back in February, Norwegian labor leader and parliamentary representative, Jonas Gahr Støre nominated Ressa for the 2021 Prize.Støre has said regarding the nominating Ressa, “She is thus both a symbol and a representative of thousands of journalists around the world. The nomination fulfills key aspects of what is emphasized as peace-promoting in Alfred Nobel’s will. A free and independent press can inform about and help to limit and stop a development that leads to armed conflict and war.”
Why does it matter?
The Nobel Peace Prize intends to give recognition and honor to an organization or an individual that has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations.” The committee said in their statement the reason for honoring journalists who risk their lives in delivering the truth to the masses. They explained, “Free, independent and fact-based journalism serves to protect against abuse of power, lies and war propaganda.”
Related: A Public Good: Why Should We Protect Our Press Freedom?
