Shirin Ebadi

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Shirin Ebadi's achievements stand as a testament to the power of individual courage in the face of systemic oppression. As the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, she broke significant barriers and brought global attention to the struggles of women and minorities in Iran. Her founding of the Defenders of Human Rights Center created a vital resource for those denied justice. The sheer number of international honors she has received, from the Sophia Award to the Rafto Prize, underscores her consistent dedication to human rights. Being named to Time's 100 Most Influential People list in 2026, decades after her initial breakthrough, highlights her enduring relevance and the lasting impact of her life's work.

AwardsShirin Ebadi's list of awards reflects her immense impact on the global stage. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003, becoming the first Iranian and first Muslim woman to receive this honor. Other notable awards include the Sophia Award and the International Women of Courage Award in 2004, the Human Rights First Award in 2005, the Gustav Heinemann Prize in 2008, and the Rafto Prize in 2009. She has also received numerous honorary doctorates from universities worldwide, including Yale University and the University of Toronto. In 2026, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.

Honours & Distinctions

Honorary Doctorate

Yale University·2004

Recognizing contributions to law and human rights

Honorary Doctorate

University of Paris·2005

Recognition for legal scholarship and activism

Honorary Doctorate

University of Toronto·2006

Honoring her work in human rights

Rankings & Lists

#100

TIME 100 Most Influential People

Time Magazine·2026

Magazine Covers

Time

April 2026

100 Most Influential People

Records & Feats

First Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate

Historic First·2003

First Iranian and first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize

First Female Judge in Iran

Career Milestone·1969

First woman appointed as a judge in Iran

First Female President of Tehran City Court

Career Milestone·1975

First woman to serve as president of the Tehran City Court