Nearly 1000
"honor" killings are reported in Pakistan each year, murders by a
family member for behavior deemed "shameful," such as a relationship
outside of marriage. When Khalida Brohi, a village girl from Pakistan,
witnessed the honor killing of a close friend who lost her life because she
married for love instead of the choice groom of the family, she resolved to
take a stance against it.
Khalida Brohi is the founder and
executive director of the Sughar Empowerment Society, an organization to end
honor killings and empower women in Pakistan. The non profit provides Pakistani
women with the education, skills, and income opportunities to empower them to
take a leadership role in their households, their communities, and the world.
Through a six-month course, women gain business skills and learn to turn
traditional embroidery into salable fashion products. Grads get small loans to
start businesses and help connecting to markets.
Brohi has addressed
numerous global forums and has received recognition for her work from the likes
of Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton. She has won numerous awards and recognitions
for her brave and inspiring works in Human Rights including:
Newsweek magazine's 25
under 25
One of the "100 Women
Who Matter in Pakistan" by Newsweek
"Woman of Impact
Award" by the Women in the World Foundation
Women Excellence Award by
national Government of Pakistan
Young Champion Award from
the University of Singapore
Unreasonable Institute
Fellowship Award
Labels:
Women
