Nighat Dad grew up in a conservative family in Jhang, Pakistan, where the specter of early marriage loomed over her childhood. Her parents, despite traditional values, prioritized education and moved to Karachi so she could pursue her bachelor’s degree. Although she initially thought that a master’s in law would delay marriage, her parents soon arranged her marriage anyway. Domestic life, which she initially accepted, turned troublesome as abuse ensued. It was her legal education that brought clarity; she recognized her fundamental rights were being violated.
With support from her family, Nighat left her husband and sought a divorce. Yet, re-entering the world as a single mother presented unforeseen challenges, especially when her ex-husband pursued custody of their infant. In a moment of self-discovery, she remembered her legal training and fought for custody, ultimately winning. This experience awakened her to the plight of countless women in Pakistan facing systemic violence and injustice.
One significant realization for Dad was about digital restrictions. Having grown up without access to her own phone, and later facing surveillance from her husband, she understood how crucial technology could be for women seeking freedom and autonomy. “Facing those restrictions made me realize just how crucial it is to challenge societal norms around women’s access to technology and the internet,” she said.
In 2012, Dad founded the Digital Rights Foundation, an NGO dedicated to addressing the digital divide and combatting online abuse against women and gender minorities in Pakistan. Initially, she focused on offering advice for digital safety and emotional support. In 2016, coinciding with the passage of anti-cybercrime legislation, Dad established a cyber-harassment helpline which has since addressed over 16,000 complaints across the country.
The DRF not only offers pro bono legal support but has successfully assisted women in navigating the justice system to hold perpetrators accountable. A landmark case in October 2021 saw the DRF aid journalist Asma Shirazi in winning a case against a major broadcaster for facilitating online harassment.
Reflecting on her journey, Dad exclaimed, “If an organization like the DRF had existed when I was facing my own issues, I would have felt so much more supported.” Today, her organization plays a pivotal role in shaping global discourse on tech policy, and she is now a member of the United Nations’ AI Advisory Board, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices from the Global South. She argues that advancements in technology should include the perspectives and needs of all, especially those underrepresented in AI governance.
