KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April 2016 (Friday) – The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) extend their congratulations to Malaysia’s leading transgender rights advocate Nisha Ayub for being a recipient of the 2016 U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.
Nisha is a co-founder of two NGOs serving transgender people in Malaysia, Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Persekitaran Positif Malaysia (SEED) and Justice for Sisters, the former of which is a Partner Organisation of the MAC.
Her stellar work led to a landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal in 2014 that made state laws against cross-dressing unconstitutional and discriminatory. That decision, however, was overturned a year later by the Federal Court.
“We are extremely proud of what Nisha has accomplished in seeking fair and just treatment for, and challenging public’s negative views, perceptions and stereotypes of transgender people,” said Datuk Dr. Raj Karim, President of the MAC.
“Evidence has shown that discrimination against and persecution of transgender people have a direct negative impact on their access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. In Malaysia, transgender people are indeed disproportionately affected by HIV, with an HIV prevalence that is 14 times higher than the general population.”
“We hope that this recognition will pave the way for greater understanding of transgender issues and ultimately improved health and social outcomes for transgender people. We wish Nisha continued success in her future endeavours,” she added.
Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairman of the MAF commented, “We commend Nisha for her courage to stay true to her identity and perseverance in facing adversity.”
“MAF will continue to stand by the transgender community and, through its sister organisation the MAC, remain committed to supporting HIV interventions that effect change in the lives of transgender people.”
Nisha is the first transgender woman to be recognised by the International Women of Courage Award. Now in its tenth year, the Award honours women from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment, often at great personal risk.
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