Pakistani entrepreneur wins first-ever Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award

Tanzila Khan has worked to increase opportunities for young girls and differently-abled people across the country

Pakistanis around the world beamed with pride as local disability rights activist and entrepreneur, Tanzila Khan, won the first-ever Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award at the Prince’s Trust Awards 2022. The Princes Trust is a charity organisation founded by Charles, the Prince of Wales and the objective of the Awards is to provide financial assistance and enable the youth to further their entrepreneurial efforts.

Born in Sialkot, Tanzila was unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair, leaving her to face several struggles in the coming years of her life. However, in an effort to define and take control of the narrative, Tanzila has worked effortlessly to broaden the world of opportunities for young girls and differently-abled people around Pakistan. Tanzila’s long list of achievements began at the age of 16 when she wrote her first book, A Story of Mexico. 

As per her website, the author’s flair for writing led her to publish and sell her books so that she could invest in her community projects regarding women empowerment and differently-abled people. Her effort towards inclusivity manifested in the form of her entrepreneurial endeavour, GirlyThingsPk. A mobile application that caters to breaking down barriers faced by differently-abled menstruators allows them to order their hygiene kits online due to the lack of equitable services offered in shops. The activist also made headlines in 2021 with her visit to Egypt alongside Zargoona Wadood and Afshan Afridi, a solo trip by three women in wheelchairs to show a new face of disability. 

Tanzila’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the international community and her empowerment projects have made waves, providing support and creating inclusive environments for those who are differently-abled and young girls, winning her this year's Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award.