Pakistani activist wins International Women of Courage Award

An undated file photo of awyer and human rights activist Jalila Haider. (Photo courtesy: social media)

• Called the “Iron Lady of Balochistan,” Haider was honored alongside 12 other international women
• The Pakistani activist dedicates her achievement to her country while talking to Arab News

ISLAMABAD: Lawyer and human rights activist Jalila Haider has been honored with the International Women of Courage Award (IWCA) for 2020 by the US Department of State.
The award, given out by the first lady, Melania Trump, was bestowed upon women around the globe who are striving to make differences and significant changes in the communities and countries they hail from.
“It is a great honor for me to be recognized for my work,” Haider told Arab News over the phone, expressing her happiness at being honored alongside 12 other women including Zarifa Ghafari of Afghanistan, Susanna Liew of Malaysia and Shahla Humbatova of Azerbaijan.
“This award is for all women who live in this universe, who leave their house with courage every day and work for their rights and the rights of their community,” Haider said while dedicating the award to Pakistan. “I am very happy that Pakistan has got this award.”
Haider, 32, who the State Department described as the “Iron Lady of Balochistan,” has worked tirelessly for women’s rights, providing free legal counsel to women affected by poverty and has made it her mission to help the women of Balochistan.
“This award also belongs to the women of Balochistan,” said Haider to Arab News. “From the widows struggling for their livelihood to the girls who go to school every day.”
Haider is a member of the Hazara minority ethnic group, and is the first female attorney belonging to that community.
Much of her advocacy work has been to raise awareness regarding the plight of her community which has faced targeted harassment and violence over the years.
Describing her service to her community and nation, the State Department acknowledged Haider’s hunger strikes that drew attention to the injustices her community was facing.
They also highlighted her non-profit organization, “We the Humans,” which works with local communities to find and facilitate employees and provide legal opportunities to vulnerable women.