QUETTA: A young girl from Awaran district of Balochistan has won the 100 Women Heroes Award 2026 of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, Italy.

Aqsa Mirwani, a farmer, social entrepreneur and community leader from tehsil Jahoo of Awaran district, was presented the award by FAO Director General QU Dongyu at a ceremony held in Rome that marked the ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026’.

Ms Mirwani was the only Pakistani among participants from 131 countries.

The FAO’s 100 Women Heroes initiative recognises women from across the agrifood value chain and rural development who are helping expand opportunities, strengthen food security, preserve knowledge, protect natural resources and create opportunities for rural communities. The international accolade recognises Ms Mirwani’s contributions to rural development and her role in transforming agrifood systems. Her achievement is being hailed as a historic milestone for women in Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2026