Erfaan Hussein Babak

Executive Director & Founder, The Awakening 

Erfaan Hussein Babak, a human rights advocate from Swat Valley, Pakistan, defied his conservative upbringing to champion women’s rights. Inspired by the violence his mother and sisters faced, he founded The Awakening in 2012 to challenge patriarchal norms and support survivors of abuse. Through Pakistan’s first Women Jirga, a 24/7 helpline, and the Dastageer Legal Aid Center, Erfaan provides critical support for women and involves men and boys in promoting gender equality.