Young Tanzanian advocate, Zainab wins the Young Courage Award for 2026
Zainab Khamis Rashid, an 18-year-old from Zanzibar, has been awarded the 2026 Young Courage Award for her advocacy work regarding children's rights. She has been recognized for her efforts to challenge discrimination against children with disabilities in education.
Why it matters
The award highlights the impact of youth-led activism in addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive education in developing regions.
STOCKHOLM: At just 18 years old, Zainab Khamis Rashid has already shown that age is no barrier to standing up for others.
The young Zanzibari advocate was named Tanzania’s recipient of the 2026 Young Courage Award, an international recognition celebrating young people who demonstrate civil courage and take action to create positive change.
Zainab joined fellow award winners from 15 countries in Stockholm on 27 August for Raoul Wallenberg Day, where she was honoured for her courage in standing up for children’s rights in Zanzibar.
But behind the award is a story of a young person who has chosen to speak up when others are being denied their rights.
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