Sonal Dhanani, a digital rights advocate from Pakistan, has been recognized for her tireless efforts in promoting human rights, combating violent extremism, and addressing the intersectional issues of gender, climate change, and colonial histories. Through her social enterprise, Parindey Training and Counseling, Sonal has worked relentlessly to empower marginalized communities, especially youth and women, through education and advocacy.

Sonal’s recognition with the Geneva Human Rights Award highlights her outstanding contributions to human rights. Her work extends globally, with a particular focus on digital rights and climate justice. She has been instrumental in creating programs that provide mental health access and promote economic and climate awareness in marginalized communities. Sonal’s impact also includes presenting her climate policy paper at the 2023 AAS-in-Asia Conference in Daegu, South Korea, and sharing insights on people science for climate change and gender, climate, and memory documentation at the UN office in Bangkok during the Sida 2023 regional partners meeting.

What began as a research project to document indigenous practices for disaster risk reduction, supported by a CHSS research grant, has expanded into a comprehensive initiative to train government officials on the need for gender-responsive disaster management and climate crisis response. In Pakistan, where there is limited climate change documentation, Sonal is working to decolonize the climate field by translating content into local languages and creating a mobile exhibition that showcases the lived experiences of communities affected by climate change.

Thanks to the CHSS research grant, Sonal has been able to bridge gaps in climate knowledge and promote a deeper understanding of how history, gender, and climate change intersect. Her work continues to drive meaningful change, both locally and globally, fostering sustainable solutions to pressing climate issues and amplifying the voices of those often overlooked in the climate crisis dialogue.

We congratulate Sonal Dhanani on receiving the Geneva Human Rights Award. Her work remains a powerful example of dedication to social justice, climate change advocacy, and human rights.