We’re thrilled to share that Rise Up Leader Neha Mankani from Pakistan has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential leaders driving climate action worldwide in its 2025 TIME100 Climate list.  

This well-earned recognition reflects our belief that solutions to climate challenges and gender inequity are deeply interconnected. With her organization, Mama Baby Fund, Neha works at the intersection of climate and gender justice to ensure that Pakistani mothers and babies are receiving essential health care amid growing environmental challenges. 

Neha joined Rise Up Together in 2016 through our Youth Champions Initiative, and since then, she has continued to lead transformative efforts in her community and country. When we spoke to Neha earlier this year, she shared highlights of her work addressing the gendered impacts of climate change, including delivering birthing kits and midwifery services to over 15,000 displaced families following devastating flooding in Pakistan in 2022.  

“My recognition of climate impacts as a core element of gender justice stems directly from my experiences on the ground,” Neha shared with Rise Up Together. “During the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022, the disproportionate impact on women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals was stark and horrifying. We witnessed firsthand the emergence of deeply concerning issues like ‘climate brides,’ a surge in gender-based violence, and a complete breakdown of essential sexual and reproductive health and rights services and support systems.” 

Rise Up Together is proud to invest in extraordinary leaders like Neha, who leverage their vision and advocacy to build climate-resilient, gender-just communities for women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people around the world. 

Please join us in congratulating Neha on this incredible honor!