Nisha Ayub facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nisha Ayub
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Nisha Ayub receiving the 2016 International Women of Courage Award in Washington D.C.
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| Born | April 5, 1979 |
| Nationality | Malaysian |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | Transgender rights advocacy |
Nisha Ayub (born April 5, 1979) is an important activist from Malaysia. She works to make sure everyone is treated fairly. Nisha helped start groups like the SEED Foundation and Justice for Sisters. These groups help people who face unfair treatment because of who they are. In 2016, she received a special honor called the International Women of Courage Award.
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Nisha Ayub's Early Life
Nisha Ayub was born in Malacca, Malaysia, on April 5, 1979. Her family background is mixed. Her mother's family has Indian and Ceylonese roots. Her father's family is Malay.
When Nisha was a child, she loved to wear a "selendang" (shawl). She would dance to Bollywood songs. Her father passed away when she was six years old. After that, her mother's Christian family raised her. Her mother had become a Muslim.
At nine years old, Nisha joined a fancy dress competition. She dressed as a ballerina in a black dress and a wig. At that moment, she felt like she was truly herself.
Nisha's Fight for Fairness
As a woman who was born male, Nisha has faced challenges with laws in Malaysia. Some Islamic laws (called Sharia) say that males cannot dress or act like women in public. If someone breaks this law, they can be fined or even go to jail.
Nisha was once put in jail for three months in 2000 because of this law. This experience made her want to help others.
Nisha now works with groups that are not part of the government. She helps people by giving advice and training. She also helps them with health and well-being issues. Nisha provides legal support to those who need it. She works hard to make sure everyone can live peacefully.
Nisha Ayub's Impact and Awards
Nisha Ayub has been honored for her brave work. In 2015, Human Rights Watch gave her the Alison Des Forges Award. This award recognized her strong actions against unfair Malaysian laws. These laws made it hard for people to live without harm or unfair treatment.
In 2016, she also received the International Women of Courage Award. She was the first openly transgender woman to get this award.
The city of San Diego in the US even named April 5 "Nisha Ayub Day" in 2016. The mayor, Kevin L. Faulconer, said Nisha "continues to fight for the equality and protection of all people."
In 2018, a new type of sea slug was found. It can hide itself by looking like seaweed. Scientists named it Sacoproteus nishae after Nisha. They chose this name because the sea slug is so good at pretending to be a plant.
In 2019, Nisha was named one of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) 100 Women of 2019. The BBC recognized her for her important work helping the local community.
Awards and Honors
| Year | Organization | Award | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | |||
| Human Rights Watch | Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism | ||
| 2016 | United States Department of State | International Women of Courage Award | |
| 2019 | BBC | BBC 100 Women of 2019 |
Images for kids
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Nisha Ayub
See also
In Spanish: Nisha Ayub para niños
