Latest news with #WomenChangingtheWorldAwards2025
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Pakistani novelist wins 'Young Woman of the Year' award in UK
Pakistani novelist and youth advocate, Alishba Khan Barech, has been named the winner of the "Young Woman of the Year' category at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards 2025. The global ceremony was held at Park Hyatt London River Thames which was attended by international dignitaries, thought leaders, industry leaders, and guests from all over the world. The awards were presented by Britain's Princess Sarah Ferguson and globally celebrated humanitarian Dr Tererai Trent, said a press release received on Saturday. 'She is Pakistan's youngest novelist and memoirist, having written her debut novel at the age of 11, youngest memoirist at 14 and self-published author at 16,' it said. Alishba Barech, the youngest self-published author from Pakistan and a native of Nushki, Balochistan province, was earlier announced as one of 12 finalists in February 2025, selected from a remarkable pool of 751 nominations across more than 50 nations. Her selection was widely celebrated across Pakistan at the time, praised as a moment of national pride and a powerful message from Balochistan to the world. Alishba Barech triumphed among fellow finalists from India, Iran, Africa — standing as the only Pakistani and South Asian woman recognised in her category. Princess Sarah congratulated the winners and presented the awards. Alishba's work has long centered on rewriting dominant narratives, particularly around Balochistan, a region associated with militancy and conflict. Her activism spans work with Unicef Pakistan as a youth ambassador for mental health and polio eradication, and she currently serves as a youth adviser to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and a member of the National Youth Council. She also serves as a youth ambassador for the cricket franchise Quetta Gladiators. A self-taught writer, Alishba began crafting full-length novels at just 11, far beyond the scope of her peers' school essays. Following the announcement, Alishba said, "As I've said before, my mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that define us. This award is dedicated with all my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province Balochistan, and my country Pakistan. Yesterday, when my country's name was called among global achievers, it was more than a personal milestone — it was proof that stories of resilience and brilliance can rise from Nushki and Quetta, not just the headlines of conflict and militancy we've grown used to. There is nothing more special than to bring a global award for your people.' NNI News Service
Arab News
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Pakistani novelist bags global award at Women Changing the World Awards 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's self-published novelist Alishba Khan Barech bagged the 'Young Woman of the Year' award at the Women Changing the World Awards 2025 program this week, state-run media reported, dedicating her victory to the people of the southwestern Balochistan province she hails from. Barech is Pakistan's youngest self-published author and a native of Balochistan province's Nushki district, which often features in headlines for militant attacks. She was announced as one of 12 finalists for the Young Woman of the Year award in February 2025, selected from a pool of 751 nominations across over 50 countries. The Women Changing The World Awards is a global program that honors women making a positive impact across industries such as business, sustainability, leadership, health, education, innovation, and technology. The awards ceremony was held at the Park Hyatt London River Thames from Apr. 2-3. 'As I've said before, my mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that define us,' Barech was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). 'This award is dedicated with all my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province Balochistan, and my country Pakistan.' The Pakistani writer said winning the award was 'more than a personal milestone' for her, adding that it was proof that stories of resilience rise from Nushki and 'not just headlines of conflict and militancy we've grown used to.' State-run APP said Barech's work centers on rewriting dominant narratives, particularly around Balochistan, where separatists are fighting the state for a larger share in the province's natural resources. 'She is Pakistan's youngest novelist and memoirist, having written her debut novel at the age of 11, youngest memoirist at 14 and self-published author at 16,' the APP said. It said Barech has worked with UNICEF Pakistan as its youth ambassador for mental health and polio eradication, adding that she currently serves as a youth adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is also a member of the National Youth Council. The Pakistani author serves as a youth ambassador for the cricket franchise Quetta Gladiators and is the first Pashtun woman from Balochistan, South Asia, to secure a merit scholarship to the John Locke Summer University.
