Acclaimed women’s human rights activist Rukhshanda Naz joined us on Sept. 13, 2019, in person, from her home country of Pakistan in a conversation facilitated by University of Washington Law School Professor Alejandra Gonza.  Rukhshanda brought with her 30 years of experience as a human rights activist and shed light on how the field of women’s human rights has shifted within in her community and globally. Rukhshanda is a longtime advisor for Channel grantee partner Global Fund for Women (GFW), having recommended and vetted over a dozen local Pakistani women’s human rights groups to receive funding. Most recently, Rukhshanda and her efforts to end early and forced marriage in Pakistan were featured in GFW’s highly anticipated docuseries Fundamental.

In addition to advising GFW, Rukhshanda has also worked with the Women’s Regional Network, another Channel grantee partner that builds peace in South Asia.

A lawyer by profession, Rukhshanda predominantly works in the KP region, situated in the northwest part of Pakistan, along the Afghanistan border, an area that has historically been affected by militarism, isolation, and human rights violations. Despite resistance from the state and other religious institutions, there remains a strong women’s movement working to redefine gender normative standards. Rukhshanda has served in a number of positions both in her local community and internationally to secure the rights of women and girls in the work place, in the home, and in society.

Register by 8/30 to join this inspiring conversation with an afternoon program from 3:00-4:00 PM followed by a cocktail reception at 4 PM.

An Inspiring Conversation: A Pakistani Veteran Feminist’s Journey in Creating Safe Spaces for Women and Girls is hosted by Channel Foundation, Channel grantee partner Global Fund for Women, and Global Washington.