A young advocate for persecuted Christians in Pakistan was recognized for her unwavering courage and dedication to amplifying the voices of those suffering for their faith.
On Nov. 20, 24-year-old Ribqa Nevash received the 2024 Courage to be Christian Award from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) UK.
The award was presented during the #RedWednesday Mass for persecuted Christians at the Brompton Oratory.
Nevash, known for her vocal advocacy for Christian women and girls in Pakistan, has highlighted the plight of those kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to their abductors.
Through interviews, articles, and press conferences, she has shed light on the stories of survivors of religious persecution, including the aftermath of anti-Christian riots in Jaranwala, Punjab Province, in August 2023.
Expressing her gratitude to ACN about the recognition, Nevash said she was “very honored and grateful to be named the recipient” of the award and pledged to continue her work.
“I will do all I can to help my suffering brothers and sisters,” she said. She added that she felt “more motivated than ever to speak up” for oppressed Christians, encouraging them to “stay strong in their faith despite the daily struggles and difficulties.”
She also thanked ACN for their support, saying, “I really appreciate all that ACN does for Christians in Pakistan. Thank you so much for everything.”
Established in 2023, the Courage to be Christian Award celebrates individuals demonstrating exceptional bravery and commitment to their faith. The inaugural recipient was Margaret Attah, a survivor of a deadly jihadist attack on a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria.
Dr. Caroline Hull, national director at ACN UK, praised Nevash’s courage and resilience. “We are delighted to present the #RedWednesday Courage to be Christian Award to Ribqa, in recognition of her exceptional strength, courage, and determination in advocating for the suffering Church in Pakistan,” Dr. Hull said.
“She is a truly remarkable young woman, who has persisted in her faith in the face of discrimination and setbacks that she experienced growing up as a Catholic girl in Pakistan,” Hull added.
Nevash has faced significant challenges as a Christian in Pakistan, including being the only Christian student in her class at the University of Faisalabad and encountering faith-based discrimination during job interviews.
Dr. Hull commended Nevash’s tireless efforts, stating, “Ribqa’s faith and passion are an inspiration for all of us. She works extremely hard and has already done so much, despite her young age, to help raise awareness of the many injustices facing the Church in Pakistan.”
Dr. Hull expressed optimism about Nevash’s future efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting her journey and amplifying her voice to advocate for Christians who endure suffering in silence because of their faith.