Rukhshanda Naz stands as a symbol of resilience and empowerment for women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With an illustrious academic background, including an LLB from Khyber Law College and advanced degrees in Peace and Reconciliation Studies and International Law from Coventry University, UK, she laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work in human rights and women’s empowerment. From launching and leading the regional office of Aurat Foundation in Peshawar for 16 years to serving as a field officer for the Afghanistan-Pakistan region at the International Human Rights Law Group, Rukhshanda’s career has been defined by her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices. Her contributions as the provincial head of UN Women Pakistan for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the erstwhile FATA division stand as milestones in fostering gender equality in the region. She championed the cause of internally displaced women by collecting their testimonies to shape national IDP policies. In 2018, as a consultant for Heinrich Böll Stiftung, she spearheaded policy recommendations to make the five percent women’s quota on general seats in Pakistan more impactful. Her efforts to strengthen human rights mechanisms, including supporting Women Political Caucuses, underscore her commitment to institutional reforms for sustainable change.

Rukhshanda’s historic appointment as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first Women Ombudsperson in 2019 cemented her legacy as a pioneer for women’s rights. A tireless advocate against violence and harassment, her work has been recognized with numerous accolades from both government and non-government organizations. As a lawyer, activist, and policymaker, Rukhshanda Naz remains an inspiration, empowering Pashtun women to break barriers and lead with courage and purpose.