She received the UN Malaysia Award 2019 for her contributions in the Fundamental Freedom category under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In a statement, SIS said the award was recognition of Zainah’s work in promoting the rights of Muslim women.

It said it also recognised her work in founding Musawah, a global movement to promote equality and justice in Muslim families.

“A trailblazer, Zainah is a powerful force for change in Malaysia and across the world. We at SIS are proud to be part of her journey,” said SIS executive director Rozana Isa.

In 2018, Johor-born Zainah was honoured by Harvard Law School as one of 25 “Women Aspiring Change” across the world in the areas of law and policy.

She has also been named by Newsweek and The Daily Beast as one of 150 women who “shake the world”, as well as one of the 100 most inspiring people in championing the rights of women and girls by global advocacy organisation Women Deliverer.

The San Francisco-based International Museum of Women has also named her as one of the 10 most influential Muslim women at the global level.