A teenage girl from the Swat district has been awarded the third Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for dedicating her life to ending the practice of child marriages in Pakistan.
President of Global Ties USA, Dr. Jennifer Clinton, gave the 13-year-old women’s rights activist, Hadiqa Bashir, the award. Bashir successfully stopped several child marriages in her area, and has become the youngest recipient of this award.
The award ceremony, hosted by four-time Olympic gold medallist Janet Evans, took place at the Marriot Louisville. The ceremony recognised people from around the world who have made significant contributions to peace, social justice, human rights, or social capital.
Six individuals aged 30 year or younger were presented with an award that mirrors boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. The Muhammad Ali Centre was co-founded by Ali and his wife Lonnie.
Speaking at the occasion Hadiqa Bashir said she was honoured to receive the award.
“The award reaffirms my conviction that with truth, courage and determination as our weapons, my country, Pakistan will be liberated from every type of injustice and violence. I did not make the journey here alone. Numerous people have supported me along the way,” she said.
Hadiqa added that she was blessed with an amazing and supportive family, especially her uncle Erfaan Hussein Babak who is the co-founder of the group ‘Girls United for Human Rights’. He is also founder of the group’s parent organisation, “The Awakening”.
Hadiqa’s father, Iftikhar Hussain, said that he was proud that his daughter was performing well in her studies, as well as in her mission against child marriages. He said that Hadiqa used to visit every house in the district to raise awareness and stop the harmful practice of child marriages.