Samar Minallah Khan

Samar Minallah Khan, an anthropologist and filmmaker, is a dedicated advocate for the rights of women and children. She utilizes culture, truck art, and filmmaking to address critical issues and drive positive change. With an MPhil degree in Anthropology and Development from the University of Cambridge, Samar combines her academic expertise with a profound passion for culture, indigenous folk art, film, and folk music. Samar has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about harmful cultural practices, resulting in the prohibition of compensation marriages in Pakistan. Her groundbreaking efforts in the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2004 were instrumental in outlawing Swara, a form of compensation child marriage. Her innovative use of truck art to tackle social issues exemplifies her creativity. Collaborating with a team of truck artists and owners, she has transformed ordinary trucks into moving billboards adorned with images of empowered girls pursuing education, disseminating important messages in remote regions of Pakistan. Samar’s work has garnered international recognition, with the media referring to her as ‘The Savior of Soul’ (Dawn), ‘Women Who Rock the World’ (Newsweek), ‘The Crusader with the Camera’ (The Friday Times), and ‘A Vital Voice’ (Express Tribune). Her documentary film, ‘Outswing,’ has received over 15 international awards at film festivals.