Dr. Saeed is a well-respected social activist who has spent the last four decades of her career working to improve the lives of women in Pakistan. She succeeded in bringing issues rarely talked about in Pakistan, like violence against women, sexual harassment and discrimination against women, into the public discourse and mobilizing action to address them. By undertaking a very public and courageous fight against sexual harassment at her own workplace, she inspired a broader movement in Pakistan which culminated in legal and societal changes to benefit Pakistani women. She is being recognized with this award for her efforts which have both strengthened democracy in Pakistan and led to greater freedoms
for women.