Mahnoor Omer named among TIME Women of the Year 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani women’s rights activist Mahnoor Omer has been named among TIME magazine’s Women of the Year 2026 in recognition of her efforts to challenge gender inequality and campaign against taxes on menstrual products in Pakistan.

Omer has been acknowledged alongside 16 other global figures, including Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chloe Zhao and Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

According to her profile published by the New York-based magazine, Omer first recognised gender inequalities as a teenager. At the age of 14, dissatisfied with a major NGO’s approach to educating girls about sexual violence, she founded the Noor Foundation to conduct workshops in rural communities.

She began leading sessions on issues ranging from climate change to menstruation, focusing on awareness and empowerment among young girls.

A conversation with a domestic worker about the high cost of sanitary products later highlighted what she described as a harsh reality: many women in Pakistan cannot afford basic menstrual hygiene items.

In Pakistan, taxes on sanitary pads and tampons can raise prices significantly, restricting access for girls and women. According to estimates by UNICEF, only 12% of women in the country use commercially produced sanitary products. Alternatives such as cloth can pose health risks and often lead to girls missing school during their periods.

Blending activism with legal advocacy, the 25-year-old filed a petition in September 2025 challenging what she termed the “period tax.” The case had its first hearing toward the end of 2025 and has since sparked a broader national conversation on menstrual health and policy reform.

Omer is currently pursuing a master’s degree in gender, peace and security at the London School of Economics.

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Describing the legal battle as the beginning of a long journey, she said, “I’m not free until every woman is free,” reaffirming her commitment to advocate for women and gender minorities across the country.

Reflecting on the TIME recognition, Omer expressed gratitude on social media, saying she hopes the honour reflects the limitless potential of Pakistani women and serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.