Mahnoor Omer, a young rights activist from Pakistan, has been named among TIME Women of the Year 2026 for her work in challenging what she called a heavy tax burden on menstrual products.
Her recognition highlights growing global attention on period poverty and gender equality issues in South Asia.
Mahnoor began community work at the age of 14, organizing awareness sessions in villages to educate girls about menstrual health.
In many rural areas of Pakistan, menstruation remains a sensitive topic, and a lack of access to affordable sanitary products affects school attendance and health.
According to development groups, high taxation and import duties on sanitary pads have contributed to higher retail prices, making them unaffordable for low income families.
At 25, Mahnoor became widely known after leading a legal and public campaign against what activists described as a 40 percent tax on menstrual products. She argued that such products are necessities of health and should not be treated as luxury items.
Her campaign included policy advocacy, social media outreach, and engagement with lawmakers. Supporters say her efforts helped push forward the debate on tax reform and women’s health rights.
International recognition from TIME has placed her among influential women working to create social change. The annual list honors leaders who are driving impact in their communities and beyond.
Mahnoor has said her focus remains on education, policy reform, and breaking social stigma around menstruation.
