Notable Roles | - Founder & Executive Director, Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) |
Key Recognition | - TIME Next Generation Leader (2015) |
Background and Early Foundations
Nighat Dad was born in 1981 in Lahore, Pakistan, and hails from a village in Jhang, Punjab. She earned her Master of Laws degree from the University of the Punjab. After facing domestic abuse in an arranged marriage, she utilized her legal education to secure a divorce and custody of her child. These personal experiences inspired her to support other women navigating legal and digital challenges.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2012 | Founded the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) to advocate for online freedom and protect women from digital harassment. |
2015 | Named a TIME Next Generation Leader for her work in helping Pakistani women fight online harassment. |
2016 | Launched Pakistan’s first Cyber Harassment Helpline, providing legal support and counseling to victims. |
2016 | Received the Human Rights Tulip Award from the Dutch government for promoting human rights online. |
2020 | Appointed to Meta’s Oversight Board, contributing to content moderation and digital governance. |
2023 | Joined the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on ethical AI governance. |
- Cyber Harassment Helpline: Addressed over 16,000 complaints since its inception in 2016.
- Policy Influence: Contributed to the drafting of Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2015.
- Global Engagement: Active participation in international forums on digital rights and AI ethics.
Leadership Style and Influence
Nighat Dad is recognized for her pioneering efforts in advocating for digital rights, particularly for women and marginalized communities in Pakistan. Her leadership is characterized by resilience, empathy, and a commitment to creating safer online spaces. Through DRF, she has fostered a culture of support and empowerment, enabling victims of online harassment to seek justice and reclaim their digital presence.
Legacy and Future Focus
Nighat Dad’s work has significantly influenced the discourse on digital rights in Pakistan and beyond. Her initiatives have not only provided immediate support to victims but have also shaped policies promoting online safety and freedom of expression. Looking ahead, she continues to engage with global platforms to advocate for inclusive and ethical digital governance, ensuring that technological advancements uphold human rights and dignity.
