Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile and an eminent advocate for human rights, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. This prestigious recognition underscores her unwavering dedication to promoting peace, gender equality, democracy, and human rights on a global scale.
The announcement came from an international jury chaired by Shivshankar Menon, who has previously served as India’s National Security Advisor and Foreign Secretary. In their official statement, the jury highlighted, “The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 is awarded to Her Excellency Michelle Bachelet for the example and inspiration that she is to women and men around the world of steadfastly striving for peace, gender equality, human rights, democracy and development in difficult circumstances and her contributions to India’s relations with Chile.”
Bachelet, whose full name is Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria, is globally celebrated for her extraordinary career, during which she has consistently advocated for the rights of marginalized communities and worked tirelessly for equality. Her remarkable journey has included pivotal roles such as the Founding Director of UN Women, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and two terms as the first female President of Chile.
Throughout her career, she has championed the causes of gender equality, peace, and social justice. Her work has left a profound impact, influencing both domestic policy in Chile and broader international initiatives.
Born on September 29, 1951, in La Cisterna, a district in Santiago Province, Chile, Bachelet’s early life was marked by profound personal and political struggles. During the dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet, she faced arrest, imprisonment, and torture in 1973. After these harrowing experiences, she was forced into exile, first in Australia and later in Germany. Despite these challenges, Bachelet remained determined to contribute to her country’s future.
Upon her return to Chile, she played a key role in its political transformation and ascended to the presidency, being elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2014. Her time in office was notable for implementing significant reforms. Among her achievements were sweeping changes in education and tax policies aimed at reducing inequality. Additionally, her presidency was instrumental in forging stronger ties between India and Chile through the signing of a free trade agreement.
Even after completing her presidential terms, Bachelet continued her advocacy on the global stage. From 2010 to 2013, she served as the first Director of UN Women, leading worldwide efforts to promote gender equality and empower women. Her leadership at the United Nations extended further when she became the High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018. In this capacity, which she held until 2022, Bachelet tackled numerous critical global challenges. Notably, she called attention to the denial of human rights in conflict zones such as Palestine, often taking bold stances despite facing criticism.
Bachelet has also been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, democracy, and progressive values. Her resilience and determination to stand up for justice have made her an inspirational figure for countless individuals worldwide. Despite facing opposition at various points in her career, she has remained undeterred, consistently championing the causes of peace and equality.
The Indira Gandhi Prize serves as a recognition of Bachelet’s extraordinary contributions. This award not only celebrates her dedication to advancing gender equality and democracy but also acknowledges her efforts to foster stronger relations between India and Chile.
Her life story, defined by resilience, courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice, continues to inspire people globally. As the jury’s statement affirmed, Bachelet’s example serves as “a beacon of hope for men and women across the globe.”
