Co-founder of Da Hawwa Lur, Shawana Shah, was honoured to receive an award at the fourth annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards were held on September the 17th in Louisville, USA.
“The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards were created in 2013 as a way to publicly recognize and celebrate the greatness of people from around the world.
The annual fundraising gala honors people who are making significant contributions toward securing peace, social justice, human rights, and/or social capital in their communities and on a global basis.”
Each year, the Ali Center honors six young adults, age 30 and under, who are serving as advocates, activists, and role models in ways that are ultimately transforming communities and bringing about positive change in the world.
Each of these six winners are recognized for one of Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality.
Shawana Shah received the Conviction award for her work to end gender-based violence in Pakistan and to provide women a platform to fight for their rights.
“Shawana established Da Hawwa Lur, a non-profit aimed at ending gender-based violence, providing free legal and psychological support to victims of gender-based violence, enhancing women leadership, and promoting peace. She also established the Working Women Union in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, which now provides 300 women, home-based and domestic workers, a platform to fight for their rights. Shawana is a member of IHEYO, Child Rights Movement KP and AWID International.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shawana Shah said she was honoured to receive the award.
[tpath_blockquote footer_text=”” position=”left” animation_type=”none” animation_delay=”500″]“This award is a recognition of all the women for whom I work. I have an unshakeable belief that women can be the greatest leaders, peace builders and can bring positive change in their respective communities,” she said. She added that she was blessed with a supportive family particularly her father, who always supported her.[/tpath_blockquote]
Before the award ceremony Shawana met Cindy McCain, wife of US Senator John McCain.
Cindy received the Ali Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement. She was honored for her efforts to combat human trafficking and helping children with facial deformities.