Uncommon courage

In 2002, Mukhtar Mai, a Punjabi woman, was gang raped by four men on the orders of a Pakistani tribal council. Such violence against women is commonplace in Pakistan and many rape victims, shamed and ostracized by their communities, commit suicide – not Mukhtar Mai.

As the BBC reports, not only did she take the unusual step of taking the case to court but also, having won compensation, she used the money to set up two schools in her village.

Mukhtar lives under constant police protection because of the threats that have been made against her, but she refuses to be silenced.

"School is the first step to change the world," says Mukhtar. "It's always the first step that causes the most trouble, but it's the start of progress."

Update
If you want to know more about Mukhtar's work or would like to offer support, she now has a website and e-mail address.