Alishba Khan Barech Wins “Young Woman of the Year” at Women Changing the World Awards 2025

Alishba Khan Barech, a Pakistani novelist and passionate activist, has been named the winner of the prestigious “Young Woman of the Year” category at the Women Changing the World Awards 2025. The announcement, made through a press release on Friday, marks a significant milestone in Barech’s remarkable journey.

The Women Changing the World Awards is a global initiative that celebrates women making a difference in areas like business, sustainability, leadership, education, health, and more. The program aims to amplify the voices and contributions of women across the globe, inspiring collective empowerment and positive change.

Barech, already recognized as a finalist last month, was officially crowned the global winner at the award ceremony on April 3, which took place at the Park Hyatt London River Thames. She was presented with the award by renowned figures, including Dr. Tererai Trent, a Zimbabwean-American educator and activist, and Britain’s Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

Alishba is Pakistan’s youngest novelist, having penned her debut novel at just 11 years old. By the age of 14, she became the youngest memoirist in the country, and by 16, she was a self-published author. Her work focuses on rewriting the narratives surrounding Balochistan, her home province, and shedding light on the untold stories of resilience and brilliance from the region.

Apart from her literary achievements, Alishba is a committed youth advocate. She has worked with UNICEF Pakistan as a youth ambassador for mental health and polio eradication, and currently serves as a youth advisor to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. She is also a member of the National Youth Council and represents the Quetta Gladiators as a youth ambassador.

Alishba’s dedication to education is evident in her scholarship to the John Locke Summer University, making her the first female Pashtun from Balochistan to achieve this honor.

Reflecting on the significance of the award, Alishba shared: “As I’ve said before, my mission has always been to rewrite the narratives that define us. This award is dedicated with all my heart to my parents, my teachers, my beloved province Balochistan, and my country Pakistan.”

She further added, “Yesterday, when my country’s name was called among global achievers, it was more than a personal milestone—it was proof that stories of resilience and brilliance can rise from Nushki and Quetta, not just the headlines of conflict and militancy we’ve grown used to.”

Alishba Khan Barech’s win is not only a personal triumph but a celebration of the power of stories, resilience, and the bright future of young women in Pakistan and beyond.