PUAN proudly celebrates the achievement of PUAN alumna Sonal Dhanani, recipient of the Individual Award for Defending Freedom of Expression Online by the Geneva Centre for Human Rights and Dialogue. Sonal is an alumna of the Emerging Leaders of Pakistan (ELP) Program (2016), a U.S. exchange initiative that played a key role in shaping her leadership journey and commitment to inclusive civic engagement.

The award recognizes Sonal’s impactful work in building inclusive digital civic spaces in Pakistan through Parindey Wellbeing & Development Foundation, where she leads initiatives empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities to participate in civic dialogue, peacebuilding, mental health advocacy, and climate justice. Her work includes Shehri Guftugu, a digital civic dialogue platform engaging over 2,000 young citizens in conversations on participatory democracy and local governance; the Jaari Women Peacebuilders Fellowship, which has trained 40 women leaders from 16 cities who went on to lead 35 community peace initiatives reaching more than 15,000 people; the Guftugu Mental Health Fellowship, supporting 800+ students across 25 campuses with 90% reporting improved access to mental health support; and Floating Voices, a climate memory project amplifying over 100 digital stories from fisherfolk and farmers and reaching 60,000+ viewers.

Sonal represented Pakistan at the award ceremony in Geneva, demonstrating how digital innovation can strengthen democratic participation and community-driven development. PUAN is proud to see its alumni advancing freedom of expression and inclusive leadership on global platforms.