Event on Women’s Rights Features Nobel Laureate Denis Mukwege

BGL BNP Paribas has reported that the Fondation Alphonse Weicker organised an event focused on women’s rights and the fight against sexual violence, featuring 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege.

The event took place at the headquarters of BGL BNP Paribas in Luxembourg-Kirchberg on Thursday 19 March 2026, in the presence of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.

A doctor, gynaecologist and human rights advocate, also known as “the man who repairs women”, Dr Denis Mukwege is internationally recognised for his commitment to women who are victims of sexual violence. Founder of Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he has spent more than 25 years providing medical, psychological and legal support to survivors, while advocating for the unequivocal condemnation of sexual violence as a weapon of war and for its recognition as crimes requiring accountability, BGL BNP Paribas noted.

His work extends beyond the medical field: Dr Denis Mukwege regularly engages with international institutions, multilateral organisations and political bodies to raise awareness of issues related to sexual violence. His commitment has been recognised worldwide through several awards, including the United Nations Human Rights Prize (2008), the Sakharov Prize (2014) and the Nobel Peace Prize (2018).

During the event, Dr Denis Mukwege spoke about his background, his commitment and his vision of these issues, as well as the collective responsibility of institutions in addressing them. The conference concluded with a discussion session with the audience, encouraging open dialogue.

BGL BNP Paribas noted that the event forms part of its ongoing initiatives to combat violence against women. In this context, during Orange Week 2025, the bank partnered with Stand Speak Rise Up! and Opéra for Peace to organise a series of events marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, including a screening of the film Muganga, the exhibition Simply Survivors, curated by Chékéba Hachemi, and an evening with Opera for Peace featuring two singers from Iran and Afghanistan.

These initiatives aim to inform, mobilise and encourage individual and collective action.

Yves Nosbusch, Chairman of the Fondation Alphonse Weicker and member of the Executive Committee of BGL BNP Paribas, stated: “It is a great honour to welcome Dr Denis Mukwege and to share essential testimonies and accounts to raise awareness and combat sexual violence against women in times of war.”

Nicolas Otton, Chairman of the Executive Committee of BGL BNP Paribas and Head of BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg, added: “As a major player in Luxembourg, we consider it our responsibility to raise awareness among our stakeholders of key human issues and to support initiatives that contribute to sustainable and inclusive progress.”