Saidu Sharif’s Hadiqa Bashir, 22, Becomes First Pakistani to Win Prestigious Award
In a remarkable achievement for Pakistan, Hadiqa Bashir, a 22-year-old activist from Swat, has been honored with the prestigious Global Citizen Youth Leader award. Bashir’s remarkable work in championing education and women’s rights in the Swat region has earned her this distinction, making her the first Pakistani to receive this esteemed award.
Bashir, known for founding ‘Girls United for Human Rights’, has been a vocal advocate against underaged marriages of girls in the area. Her relentless efforts towards gender equality and empowering young girls through education caught the attention of Global Citizen, earning her this coveted award.
“Through a dynamic blend of leadership and advocacy, she continues to make significant contributions to social justice and sustainable development in Pakistan, embodying the spirit of positive change,” Global Citizen stated in their profile of Bashir.
This isn’t the first time Bashir’s work has been recognized internationally. She has previously received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, the Asian Girls Ambassador Award, and was a finalist for the Commonwealth Award. Her achievements draw parallels with another renowned activist from the region, Malala Yousafzai, who became a Nobel laureate for her tireless efforts in women’s education.
Global Citizen’s initiative this year is to honor 32 young innovators and advocates from the Asia-Pacific region, all dedicated to addressing issues perpetuating extreme poverty. Winners of the award will receive funding to further their social causes in their communities and expand their ongoing efforts.
As part of the recognition, all 32 awardees will be invited to a Youth Leadership Summit in Melbourne, providing them with a platform to interact and forge linkages on a global scale. Hadiqa Bashir’s achievements stand as a testament to the potential of young leaders in Pakistan and their ability to drive positive change on an international level.
