Louiza Louhibi has been given this year’s Freedom of Expression (Fritt Ord) Tribute for her bravery in speaking out against violence towards women and extremist views.
Her campaign started about four years ago after revealing she had been the victim of rape in Oslo when she was 17 years old.
The perpetrator attacked three other women before receiving seven years in preventative detention based of her testimony, amongst other things.
She entered the public debate on rape last autumn, writing on Twitter, “I became a rape victim in 2008. But you can’t spend your whole life being a victim. Take action against rape now!”
The prizewinner subsequently made several TV appearances, has given several interviews, but has received harassment from extremists for coming forward with her story.
Plainclothes police officers had to drive her home last month following her participation in a programme on NRK1. She now carries a personal alarm when in public.
Nevertheless, Louiza has also redoubled her fight against extremism, which she termed as coming from, “a small but growing group of young Muslim men who adhere to an extreme interpretation of Islam”.
Moreover, she recently warning the Police Security Service about the recent YouTube hate video directed against Crown Prince Haakon and the government.
She told NRK, “It takes a lot to make me afraid now. I have been told that I should have worked in the military, because there is little that scares me. I can certainly be worried, but not afraid.”
“It is worth as long as the victims out there feel that I have given them a face, Many people appreciate it,” she stated, informing the broadcaster many of them send her letters, emails, and make Facebook comments thanking her for her courage in speaking up.
Louiza, of French-Algerian background, will be presented with the award on the 14th February. She intends to use the 100,000 kroner to fund for projects.