Nighat Dad

My name is Nighat Dad, and I am applying as a candidate for IFEX council 2023 to 2026. I believe I am highly suitable for this role due to my extensive experience as a digital rights advocate and having deep expertise in the field of technology and human rights.

For over a decade, I have been actively working to protect the rights of women, ender minorities and journalists in digital spaces. Through my organization, the Digital Rights Foundation, I have been at the forefront of pioneering work on digital freedoms, particularly in the Global majority, with a specific focus on Pakistan since 2010.

One of my significant achievements was establishing the region's first dedicated cyber harassment helpline in 2016. This helpline has provided assistance to over 16,000 callers in the past six years, offering support and guidance to those who have experienced online harassment. Furthermore, my advocacy efforts as part of the #MeToo movement led to important amendments in laws on workplace harassment in Pakistan, expanding the definitions of 'workplace' and 'harassment' to better reflect the lived realities of women in our country.

In addition to my organizational work, I currently serve as a member of Meta's Oversight Board, an independent body responsible for regulating content moderation decisions on Meta's platforms. This position has given me valuable insights into the challenges faced by social media platforms in safeguarding free expression while ensuring the protection of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

My personal journey has also shaped my commitment to this cause. Hailing from a village in South Punjab, I faced numerous obstacles as one of the first women in my family to pursue education and careers in fields traditionally dominated by men, such as law and technology. As a single mother, I navigated the complexities of balancing a demanding career, a hostile work environment for women, and the responsibilities of raising my infant son.

Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the urgent need for attention to online harassment issues, particularly with the increasing access to the internet in Pakistan. This realization led me to establish the Digital Rights Foundation, an organization that has flourished under an all-women leadership, empowering young Pakistani women and advocating for awareness and support across various sectors of society.

Undoubtedly, my activism and work have faced significant backlash from both the state and patriarchal mindsets in Pakistani society. I have endured harassment from government bodies and endured mass disinformation campaigns. However, these challenges have only fortified my resolve and determination to champion internet freedoms and gender justice. 

Given my personal experiences of online harassment, I have dedicated my life's work to holding social media companies and platforms accountable for protecting marginalized and vulnerable populations. I strongly advocate for greater representation of the global south, ensuring that conversations about digital freedom include the perspectives and experiences of everyone, not just a select few.

In conclusion, my extensive background as a digital rights activist, my leadership in the fight for

internet freedoms and women's rights, and my deep understanding of the challenges faced in

protecting free expression make me an ideal candidate for a council membership position at IFEX. I am committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring that the principles of free media and freedom of expression are upheld in a way that respects and protects the rights of all individuals.