Summary Tabassum vowed to continue her struggle to help women attain their rights
SWAT (Dunya News) -- Hailing from the mountain tops of Saidu Sharif, Swati activist Tabassum Adnan arrived in Swat today (Tuesday) after making the headlines by receiving International Women of Courage Award earlier this month.
Tabassum Adnan, who runs her NGO ‘Khwendo Jirga’, was awarded by the U.S. State Department for recognition of her services in establishing the first women-run tribal jirga.
The International Women of Courage Award is given for services rendered by women all around the world in face of turmoil and unfavorable circumstances. So far women from 83 countries have attained the honour.
Tabassum Adnan was given the award along with 9 other women in a ceremony which was attended by First Lady of United States of America, Michelle Obama on March 5.
Tabassum Adnan was born in 1977 in Saidu Sharif. She completed her matriculation from Government Girls High School number 2 and passed her graduation from Girls Degree College Saidu Sharif.
The award winner from Saidu Sharif was a victim of child marriage, where at the tender age of 13, her parents tied the knot to an older man.
After enduring 2 decades of abuse, both physical and mental from her husband, Tabassum decided to call quits on her marriage, a decision that caused her to lose custody of her children, money and home.
After the episode, Tabassum decided to form an NGO to help empower women and formed Khwendo Jirga also known as Sister’s Council.
Talking to media after receiving the prestigious award, Tabassum Adnan said that she was very pleased to have received the honour and dedicated the award to people of Swat and Pakistan.
Tabassum said that her NGO had helped dozens of women to fight for their rights including victims of honour killing and Swara; the practice of handing over women to settle disputes.
Speaking on the occasion, Tabassum vowed to continue her struggle to help women attain their rights and expressed determination on continuing to do so for a long time to come.
