Maria Corina Machado: Mother, Fighter, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Maria Corina Machado, a mother of three and one of Venezuela’s most prominent opposition leaders, currently living in hiding

When Maria Corina Machado learned she had won the Nobel Peace Prize, she didn’t see it as a personal achievement. “This is a movement,” she said. “I am just one person.”

But behind that humility lies a powerful story — of a mother who risked everything: her safety, her family, and her home, all for the dream of a democratic Venezuela.

As one of the most prominent voices opposing Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime, Machado has become a symbol of resilience. She is not only a political leader in hiding — she’s also a mother of three, separated from her children by the fight she refuses to abandon.

Who is Maria Corina Machado?

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado has been leading the struggle for Venezuela’s democracy as the country continues to face increasing repression under the regime of its president, Nicolás Maduro, whose recent electoral win has been questioned by many.

Here’s what you need to know about Machado.

Educational background and organizations

Machado, 58, has a background in industrial engineering, finance, and business. In 1992, she established the Atenea Foundation, dedicated to supporting street children in Caracas. She also co-founded Súmate, a volunteer civil organization that monitors elections in Venezuela.

She Announced Her Candidacy — But Was Blocked

In 2023, Machado announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections. Although she won the primaries, her campaign was later disqualified. Instead, she supported alternative candidate Edmundo González Urrutia.

While the opposition claimed victory, the Maduro regime tightened its grip, declaring itself the winner.

Elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly

In 2010, Machado was elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly, where she served until 2014. That year, she was stripped of her seat in what many viewed as a politically motivated move.

Her Influence in Venezuelan Politics

In Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio profiled Machado, calling her Venezuela’s “Iron Lady.”

“[She] is the personification of resilience, tenacity, and patriotism,” Rubio wrote. “ María Corina has never backed down from her mission of fighting for a free, fair, and democratic Venezuela.”

The Sacrifice of a Mother

In an emotional interview with Elle, Machado opened up about the hardest choice she’s ever had to make. Years ago, after publicly confronting Hugo Chávez — Maduro’s predecessor, she feared for her daughter’s safety.

“That was the moment I realized I couldn’t do both,” she said. “I couldn’t be a good mother and, at the same time, lead the fight for democracy.”

Two of her three children now live abroad for their safety. Her daughter Ana Corina, however, chose to remain with her in hiding.

Why Is Machado Receiving the Award?

According to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Machado is being honored for her unwavering commitment to democracy in Venezuela.

“Ms. Machado has been a key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided – an opposition that found common ground in the demand for free elections and representative government,” the committee announced in a press release. 

“This is precisely what lies at the heart of democracy: our shared willingness to defend the principles of popular rule, even though we disagree. At a time when democracy is under threat, it is more important than ever to defend this common ground.”

They emphasized that she exemplifies the ideals set out by Alfred Nobel himself:

“She has brought her country’s opposition together. She has never wavered in resisting the militarization of Venezuelan society. She has been steadfast in her support for a peaceful transition to democracy.”

When informed of the award, Machado responded: “ I have no words. Thank you so much, but I hope you understand this is a movement. This is an achievement of a whole society. I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this.”

Why Machado’s Win Matters

More than the pain of being separated from her children, Maria Corina Machado is a beacon of light in the darkness cast by authoritarian regimes. Her fight for Venezuelan democracy is a powerful reminder of the importance of raising one’s voice — especially a woman’s voice — at a time when so many are silenced.

For her courage, her conviction, and her love for her country and her children, Maria Corina Machado shows mothers around the world that they will do whatever it takes to protect the next generation — even when it means sacrificing everything.

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