Sumera Haque

Dr. Sumera Haque is a leading expert in women's health and champion of girls' education and women's empowerment.

A physician from Pakistan with a master’s degree from the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, Dr. Haque is also a GBV survivor and social and women’s rights activist. She personally understands the gender discrimination issues faced by women in developing countries and has dedicated her life to helping women with similar experiences. She has volunteered with several organizations working on women’s issues. For her work she received the Shero Award from Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland).

A passionate advocate for education, Dr. Haque mentors and coaches students interested in careers in medicine and public health field. Her commitment to education also includes serving as a Faculty Advisor at the George Washington University Global Women’s Institute, GWU Alumni Ambassador and Liaison for the GWU International Medicine Program. 

"I am thrilled to join the Global Student Prize Judging Academy. I have mentored many students throughout my professional career. During this time, I was humbled and learned as much from them as they learned from me. Many children, around the world, are not as fortunate to have access to great schooling and mentorship, which is fundamental in unleashing their potential as students. With 263 million children out of school, it is more important than ever to invest in and reward exemplary students while also targeting foundational barriers to access and quality of Education.  I am pleased to see the Varkey Foundation's mission in honouring outstanding students and youth in an era where their mindsets are as unique and outstanding as the very problems they face. May this prize inspire all students and the rest of us to be a part of the solution."