Pakistani women’s rights advocate Mahnoor Omer has been named among TIME magazine’s Women of the Year for 2026, highlighting her impactful activism on menstrual health and gender equality.

Omer gained national attention after filing a legal petition in September challenging the taxation of menstrual hygiene products in Pakistan. Her petition argued that taxing these essential items unfairly penalizes women for a biological function over which they have no control, framing the issue as both a legal and social equity concern.

The recognition by TIME Magazine underscores her role in advancing women’s rights in Pakistan and brings international attention to policies affecting gender equality in the region.

Omer’s activism has sparked public debate and advocacy for tax reforms on menstrual products, inspiring a broader movement for equitable access to healthcare and sanitary essentials for women across Pakistan.

This acknowledgment places Pakistan on the global stage for progressive advocacy and highlights the increasing visibility of South Asian women leading change through legal and social channels.