Bushra Mahnoor, co-founder of Mahwari Justice, has been awarded the Diana Award 2024 for her outstanding efforts in tackling period poverty and challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation in the country. This recognition emphasizes the importance of community-driven change and advocating for menstrual health rights.
The Diana Award honors young people who work to improve the lives of others. Named after Diana, Princess of Wales, the award was established in 1999 by a board chaired by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Mahnoor launched Mahwari Justice (also known as Period Justice) after the devastating 2022 floods in Balochistan and Sindh. Her inspiration for this initiative came from her own experience during the 2010 floods when she was just 10 years old. At the time, her parents took her to flood relief camps, as both their ancestral villages were affected. While there, Mahnoor witnessed a girl around her age with blood stains on her shirt. She initially thought the girl was injured, but her mother quickly understood the situation and handed the girl a “chadar” to cover herself.
This experience left a lasting impression on Mahnoor. She reflected on how difficult it must have been for those who menstruated in disaster situations, where they had no access to sanitary products and were in a state of crisis. “Imagine getting your period in such a situation, with no family around, no roof over your head, and no way to manage your period. It’s unimaginable,” Mahnoor said.
Motivated by this experience, Mahnoor decided to raise funds for period relief supplies. She reached out for help on social media, and when Anum Khalid responded, the two women launched Mahwari Justice together. Through their work, Mahwari Justice provides menstrual products and support to those in need, especially during emergencies, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation in the country.