Machado was named the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in October. She rose to prominence by challenging the oppressive authoritarianism of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. After holding numerous rallies to protest Maduro, she was targeted by the Maduro regime, and Machado was forced to go into hiding. 

As a result, she has put her own life in danger, a reality the committee acknowledged. Machado’s last public appearance was over 11 months ago, according to the Associated Press. The Nobel committee recognized the danger of Machado’s actions and praised her for her courage.

“In its long history, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has honoured brave women and men who have stood up to repression, who have carried the hope of freedom in prison cells, on the streets and in public squares, and who have shown by their actions that peaceful resistance can change the world,” read the statement announcing Machado as the award recipient. “In the past year, Ms Machado has been forced to live in hiding. Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions of people.”

She was also hailed as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness.”

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“As the leader of the democracy movement in Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado is one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times,” the committee said in praising her work.

The Norwegian Nobel Institute released an email acknowledging the traveling challenges Machado faced due to her activism. 

“María Corina Machado has herself stated in interviews how challenging the journey to Oslo, Norway, will be,” the Nobel Institute said in an email.“We therefore cannot at this point provide any further information about when and how she will arrive for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.”