Bushra Mahnoor Wins Commonwealth Youth Award for Advancing Menstrual Health Awareness
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistani activist Bushra Mahnoor, founder of Mahwari Justice, has been honored with the Commonwealth Youth Award for Asia 2026 in recognition of her efforts to promote menstrual health awareness and improve access to menstrual hygiene products.
The prestigious award celebrates young leaders from across the Commonwealth who are making meaningful contributions to their communities through innovative social initiatives.
Mahnoor becomes the fourth Pakistani and second Pakistani woman to receive the regional honor. She is also the first recipient from Pakistan in six years.
As the Asia regional winner, Mahnoor will receive a £3,000 grant to support the continued work of Mahwari Justice. The overall Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2026 title was awarded to Ugandan solar energy innovator Shifra Ainomugisha, who received a £5,000 grant.
Founded in 2022, Mahwari Justice initially focused on distributing menstrual hygiene kits to communities affected by devastating floods in Pakistan. Since then, the organization has expanded its work to promote menstrual health education, reduce stigma, and improve access to essential hygiene resources.
Among its key initiatives is the development of a disability-inclusive menstrual health guide, which has been translated into Braille. A sign language version is also being prepared to make the educational material accessible to a wider audience.
Mahnoor has also supported efforts to improve the affordability of menstrual hygiene products. As part of a public awareness campaign, she helped mobilize thousands of supporters advocating for changes to taxation on these essential items.
Earlier this month, the federal government announced the withdrawal of taxes on feminine hygiene products in the Federal Budget 2026–27, a development welcomed by many public health advocates and civil society organizations.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognize young people whose work contributes to sustainable development and positive social change, highlighting initiatives that create lasting benefits for communities across the Commonwealth.
