Hadiqa Bashir

Thirteen year old Hadiqa Bashir has become the youngest recipient of the third Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for dedicating her life to ending the practice of child marriages. Hadiqa is women's rights activist, who has successfully stopped several child marriages in her area.

Hadiqa is from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Swat district, home of child activist Malala Yousufzai, who has earned international recognition by being awarded the third Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for dedicating her life to ending the practice of child marriages in Pakistan. She has become the youngest recipient of this award.

The award reaffirms the conviction that with truth, courage and determination as weapons, Pakistan will be liberated from every type of injustice and violence. She did not make the journey alone, numerous people have supported her along the way.

Hadiqa Bashir is blessed with an amazing and supportive family. Her family members are happy that their daughter received the award for her noble cause. Hadiqa's mother, Sajda Ifthikar says 'she is not only my daughter but the daughter of the entire Pakistan. The award will give her high courage. She will work more actively against early and forced marriages, and we will support her in her mission.

Her father, Ifthikhar Hussain, says he is proud of his daughter, who is performing well in her studies, as well as in her mission against child marriages. Hadiqa's uncle Erfaan Hussein Babak is the co-founder of the group 'Girls United for Human Rights'. He is also founder of the group's parent organisation, 'The Awakening'.

The award ceremony, hosted by four-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans, took place at the Marriot Louisville to recognize people from around the world who have made significant contributions pertaining to peace, social justice, human rights, or social capital.

Six individuals 30 years or younger were presented with an award that mirror boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality.

Hadiqa received the award from Dr. Jennifer Clinton, President of Global Ties USA.