About Nighat Dad
Amongst many things, Nighat Dad is a lawyer, Internet activist, independent development consultant and also a researcher.
Last year, she was included in TIME magazine’s list of next generation leaders, given her efforts for helping women fight against online harassment.
Earlier this year she was awarded the Atlantic Council Digital Freedom Award 2016 for defending and advancing the cause of freedom.
Digital Rights Foundation is one of the ten nominees for the award. Three of the nominees are to be chosen by a public vote from which the Dutch Minister will handpick the winners and will present the bronze tulip-shaped statue, on December 10th.
‘We tell Internet users how to adjust their privacy settings, to make sure they have secure connections, change their passwords regularly and not to share unnecessary information.’ – Nighat Dad
She also said, “Women should come seek help if they are targeted and not feel ashamed.”
The award is offered by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ‘pioneering human rights defenders.’ The award purposes to support human rights protectors and organizations, advertise their determinations and motivate others. The winner will be bestowed a prize worth €100.000.
Nighat Dad is among one of the ten contenders for the award. Three top nominees will be selected via public voting. Dutch Foreign minister Bert Koenders will select the winner. Whom he will present with the award, a bronze tulip-shaped statue on International Human Rights Day, December 10.
This isn’t the first time that Dad has been nominated for an award. She was also awarded the esteemed Atlantic Council Digital Freedom Award for 2016 for guarding and advancing the cause of freedom. In 2015, she was nominated among the six “Next Generation Leaders” by Time magazine for protecting and safeguarding rights of Pakistanis online.
To make Nighat Dad win you can cast your vote until September 7 here
