Zainah Anwar, a co-founder of women’s rights group Sisters in Islam, has received a United Nations award today for her contributions to human rights.

The United Nations said the award recognises her “significant imprint on gender equality and empowering women”.

The award honours individuals and organisations which embody the principles of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Zainah is recognised for her work in promoting the rights of Muslim women and those living in Muslim contexts, and her role in founding SIS and Musawah.

Musawah is a global movement for justice and equality in the Muslim family.

The award comes two months after the High Court dismissed SIS’ application to challenge the decision of the Selangor Fatwa Committee, which declared it a “deviant” organisation.

Other recipients of the award this year were child rights NGO Dignity for Children founders Elisha Setrider and Patricia Shee.

They were recognised for their work in providing education to marginalised children.

Educator and conservationist Zakri Abdul Hamid was also awarded on environmental sustainability for his contributions on biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Zakri had once served as Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, under then-PM Najib Abdul Razak, and was part of the UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board.