New Delhi, Feb. 27 -- Pakistani activist Mahnoor Omer has been named by TIME Magazine as one of 16 women leaders in its annual Women of the Year list. The 25-year-old has been recognized for her nearly decade-long work advocating for gender equity and challenging Pakistan's so-called "period tax".

According to TIME Magazine, taxes imposed on sanitary products in Pakistan can add up to 40% to the retail price, making them unaffordable for many in the country. This is forcing many to use cloth, risking health impacts including rashes and infections, and can make it impossible for girls to attend school while menstruating.

Omer began her journey of empowering women at the age of 14 by establishing the Noor Foundation, an NGO, and holding w...