ISLAMABAD – Noted human rights advocate Nayyab Ali has been appointed as a Global Human Rights Fellow at Harvard University’s prestigious Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, part of the Harvard Kennedy School.
Ali is one of only eight global leaders selected for the 2025-2026 cohort of the fellowship, which also includes high-profile figures such as former U.S. Special Envoy for LGBTQI+ Rights Jessica Stern, and her appointment marks a significant milestone, both for transgender representation in global leadership and for Pakistan’s presence in international academic and policy-making circles.
During her one-year fellowship, Ali will focus on human rights research, with a special emphasis on the rights of marginalized communities. Her work will culminate in a policy paper expected to contribute to international human rights advocacy and influence global policy frameworks.
Sharing her views on it, Ali called her appointment a victory not just for her personally, but for the entire transgender community in Pakistan. “This recognition is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals are given equal access to education and opportunity,” she stated.
Human rights advocates and civil society organizations across Pakistan and beyond have lauded the announcement, calling it a beacon of hope for inclusive progress. Activists emphasize that Ali’s success sends a powerful message: transgender individuals can thrive and lead on the world stage when supported through inclusive policies and institutional representation.
Ali has long been a prominent voice in the fight for transgender rights in Pakistan, having contributed to landmark legal reforms and community development initiatives. Her latest achievement is seen as a continuation of her tireless efforts to challenge stigma and open doors for future generations.
This fellowship places her at the heart of global policy discussions, offering a platform to advocate for human rights with the backing of one of the world’s most influential academic institutions.
