Pakistani activist wins commonwealth honour for menstrual justice

Bushra Mahnoor has won Commonwealth Youth Award for Asia in recognition of her outstanding work promoting menstrual justice.

Pakistani youth activist Bushra Mahnoor has won the prestigious 2026 Commonwealth Youth Award for Asia in recognition of her outstanding work promoting menstrual justice and gender equality. The founder of Mahwari Justice received the regional honour for her efforts to improve menstrual health awareness, combat period poverty, and advocate for policy reforms that make menstrual products more accessible across Pakistan.

Bushra became the fourth Pakistani and only the second Pakistani woman to receive the Commonwealth Youth Award, marking a significant milestone for youth-led social activism in the country. The annual awards celebrate exceptional young leaders from across the Commonwealth who are making meaningful contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

She established Mahwari Justice following the devastating 2022 floods, when thousands of women and girls faced severe shortages of menstrual hygiene products in relief camps. What began as an emergency response has since grown into a nationwide movement, reaching more than 175,000 people through education campaigns, advocacy initiatives, and the distribution of essential menstrual health supplies. The organisation has also worked to improve accessibility by developing educational resources in Braille and Pakistan Sign Language.

Bushra’s advocacy extends beyond awareness campaigns. She has successfully mobilised public support for policy reforms, including a campaign that gathered more than 10,000 signatures calling for the removal of taxes on menstrual products. Her work has played an important role in advancing discussions around menstrual health, gender equality, and the rights of women and girls in Pakistan.

As the Asia regional winner, Bushra Mahnoor will receive a £3,000 grant to further expand the work of Mahwari Justice. Her achievement has been widely celebrated as a proud moment for Pakistan, highlighting the growing global recognition of young leaders who are driving social change and empowering communities through innovative grassroots initiatives.