Our people

Aabyaz Mustafa
Asia representative of the Youth Steering Committee
Elected during the ILGA Asia Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, February 2025

Aabyaz Mustafa (he/they) is a finance professional, human rights defender and fashion model from Pakistan. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Gender Rights Watch (GRW), an international non-profit providing mental health support and suicide prevention services to the marginalised communities across the Global South.

With over a decade of experience in minority rights advocacy, Aabyaz has previously collaborated with Rainbow Railroad during the Afghan-Taliban crisis, helping relocate hundreds of LGBTQI+ Afghan refugees. In Pakistan, Aabyaz played a key role in the passage and implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2018, and continues to lead advocacy and policy initiatives for minority rights.

Aabyaz’s passion is driven by an unwavering belief in the power of collective action and resilience. They see progress as a shared responsibility, mobilizing communities, allies, and stakeholders to create a more just and inclusive world.

Outside of the office, Aabyaz enjoys traveling, connecting with nature, and staying active through fitness—a reflection of their belief in holistic growth and well-being.

Organisation: Gender Rights Watch (Pakistan)