Malaysian Transgender Activist Makes It Into BBC's '100 Women Of 2019' List

Transgender activist Nisha Ayub, who has been working tirelessly to uphold the rights of transgenders in Malaysia for years, was recently named in BBC's 100 Women of 2019.

Malay Mail reported that she made it into the list for "her assistance to the transgender community", as well as her role in co-founding the non-governmental organisation (NGO) SEED.

SEED provides assistance to the marginalised community, including trnsgenders with HIV/AIDS.

On top of that, Ayub also founded T-Home, a safe space that provides shelter to homeless elderly transwomen in KL.

Ayub told the news portal that she views the recognition as a win for transgender activists all around the world.

“It’s not just about me but about the other trans activists that are fighting towards our gender identity to be given equal rights just like other human beings.

“The only way to show our existence is by standing up and voicing what we have faced just for being who we are,” she was quoted by the news portal as saying.

The BBC list honours the different roles played by women in the 21st century, covering a wide range of topics such as gender equality, education, healthcare and more.

Other names in the list includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, actress Bella Thorne, US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Iranian athlete Kimia Alizadeh.

You can view the full list and the achievements of these women here.