Claudia Paz y Paz was the first woman attorney general in Guatemala.

In her role as attorney general from 2010-2014, she worked to transform the justice system and reduce homicide rates and organized crime, with full respect for the law. She was at the forefront of the fight to bring those responsible for mass human rights abuses to justice

Paz y Paz accepted the award “in the name of… the survivors, who come forward to seek justice.”

She called the advancement of women’s status and roles “a process,” especially in her country, where violence against women is still a significant threat.