Activist Mahnoor Omer featured in TIME Women of the Year 2026 for leading the fight against period poverty

In September, women’s rights advocate Mahnoor Omer took the State to court, challenging taxes on menstrual products that she says punish women for “a biological function over which they have no control”. Her campaign has now earned her a place among 16 changemakers honoured as Women of the Year 2026 by TIME.

She stands alongside global trailblazers including Oscar-nominated filmmaker Chloé Zhao and Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Omer’s journey into activism began at an early age. At just 14, she founded the Noor Foundation, organising workshops for girls in rural communities on subjects ranging from sexual health to climate change.

Two years later, a discussion about the cost of menstrual products revealed a troubling reality: only about 12 per cent of women in Pakistan use sanitary pads or tampons. Confronted with the scale of the issue, Omer — now 25 — petitioned the Lahore High Court to classify menstrual products as essential goods and abolish the 40 per cent tax added to their retail price.

Her petition argues that the taxation of these products is “inherently discriminatory” and violates constitutional protections, including the rights to security of person, dignity, equality and social and economic wellbeing.

The filing also highlights the broader consequences of period poverty — limited access to hygiene products, waste management and menstrual health education. These barriers, it states, force girls to miss school, push women out of the workforce and contribute to rising cases of urinary tract infections.

Responding to her recognition, Omer said she was “deeply grateful for this honour”, expressing hope that it reflects the immense potential of Pakistani women. While acknowledging that much work remains to ensure equal opportunities, she said such milestones are reminders of both progress made and the possibilities ahead.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to challenging injustice and using her platform with courage and purpose.

Omer is not alone in her efforts. Weeks after her filing, Karachi resident Alisha Shabbir submitted a similar petition to the Sindh High Court. Meanwhile, Bushra Mahnoor, founder of Mahwari Justice, continues to expand access to menstrual care in underserved communities, including distributing essential supplies to women affected by the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025.