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Draft:Muaz Rafiq Chaudhry

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Muaz Rafiq Chaudhry (born, July 28, 1998) is a Pakistani-American scholar and policy researcher specializing in gender equity, education policy, and economic development in South Asia. He is a Gates Cambridge Scholar and a former Obama Foundation Scholar at the University of Chicago. His work focuses on gender equity, education policy, and economic development, particularly in South Asia. Chaudhry has contributed to research, advocacy, and nonprofit initiatives related to gender rights and social inclusion.

Early Life and Education

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Muaz Chaudhry was born in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. In 2017, he attended the Lahore School of Economics for his undergraduate degree, where he completed a Bachelor's in Science in Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics. Following that, he earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a certificate in Gender and Policy and a Master of Arts in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management from the University of Chicago, both on a full scholarship in 2024 [1]. He was awarded the Dean’s Distinguished Leadership and Humanitarian Awards for his contributions to policy research and community welfare.[2][3]

In 2025, Chaudhry was selected as a Gates Cambridge Scholar enabling him to pursue doctoral studies in Economics of Gender at the University of Cambridge.[4][5] His research focuses on the intersections of the labor market economic policies, gender minority rights, and educational and social inequalities, and carries out a comparative analysis between Pakistan and Thailand.[6][7] Chaudhry began his PhD to focus on inclusive policy design for marginalized communities in the Global South. and to create inclusive policies to empower communities and drive social change. [8]

Career

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Policy and Research Contributions

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Chaudhry has been active in the fields of economic policy, gender rights, and education reform. His research focuses on gender inclusion, education policy, and economic development, and his work has been cited in peer-reviewed academic journals.[9][10][11] He has coauthored national-level research and policy reports and contributed to legislative efforts on gender and human rights through roles in both governmental and nonprofit sectors.

As an Obama Scholar, Chaudhry participated in initiatives affiliated with President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation.[12] He has also worked with international organizations, including the World Bank, where he contributed to Pakistan’s country policy framework.[13]

Advocacy

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In January 2023, Chaudhry co-founded the Gender Rights Watch (GRW), a nonprofit organization that focuses on the rights of gender and sexual minorities, suicide prevention, and gender equity. He currently serves as the organization’s president. GRW provides support services, conducts policy advocacy, and undertakes research to improve the legal and social status of marginalized communities.[14]

He has spoken at various international forums, including the Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) National Conference and the South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM).[15][16][17] In 2020, he represented Pakistan at a seminar hosted by the University of Dhaka on the impact of COVID-19 and regional economic cooperation in South Asia. [18]

Recognitions and Awards

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Chaudhry has received international recognition for his work in policy and social impact, with notable examples including:

Publications and Media Coverage

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Chaudhry’s research and advocacy work have been featured in academic and media outlets:

References

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  1. ^ a b "Muaz Chaudhry Named Gates Cambridge Scholar, Set to Pursue Doctoral Studies in Economics of Gender". University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy. February 23, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  2. ^ "Student Profile: Muaz Chaudhry, MPP'24". May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  3. ^ Ali, Muhammad Jawad (March 21, 2025). "Muaz Chaudhry selected as Bill Gates Scholar at Cambridge University". Minute Mirror. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  4. ^ Terrill, Morgan, Collin, Billy (Feb 26, 2025). "UChicago undergraduate, two alumni named 2025 Gates-Cambridge Scholars". UChicago News. Retrieved July 2, 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "New US Scholars selected as part of 2025 cohort". Gates Cambridge. February 25, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  6. ^ "Muaz Chaudhry's Biography". Gate's Cambridge. 25 June 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  7. ^ Bamburg, A. D. (February 26, 2025). "UChicago Community Members Awarded 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarships". Southland Marquee. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  8. ^ "Gates-Cambridge Scholarship: A Model for Global Leadership and Social Responsibility". Foward Pathway. February 26, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  9. ^ Mahmood, M., & S, Chaudry (2020). "Pakistan's Balance-of-Payments Crisis and Some Policy Options" (PDF). The Lahore Journal of Economics. Winter (2): 55–92. doi:10.35536/lje.2020.v25.i2.a3 – via Lahore School of Economics.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Pakistan Innovation Report 2021
  11. ^ Pakistan Innovation Report 2020
  12. ^ a b "Muaz Chaudhry's Profile". Gender Rights Watch. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Shirazi, S. A. J. (February 27, 2021). "World Bank Pakistan Country Partnership Framework 2022-2026 Student Consultation". Lahore School of Economics Blog. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
  14. ^ "History of Gender Rights Watch". Gender Rights Watch.
  15. ^ Announcing Muslims for Progressive Values 2023 National Conference
  16. ^ "South Asian Economics Students' Meet Newsletter 2022" (PDF). South Asian Economics Students' Meet.
  17. ^ MPV Conference Speaker Bios
  18. ^ "Building Bridge: Connecting South Asian Youth". ESCDU. July 12, 2020.
  19. ^ a b Muaz Chaudhry’s Gates Cambridge Scholar Profile
  20. ^ Muaz Chaudhry – Obama Foundation Scholar
  21. ^ Meet the 2023-24 Obama Scholars at Harris School
  22. ^ Crown Family School News (September 6, 2023). "2023-24 University of Chicago Obama Foundation Scholars Program Includes 18 Emerging Leaders". UChicago News.
  23. ^ LUMS Academic Report 2020
  24. ^ Shahram, Haq (May 13, 2020). "Pakistan's economy may contract 5.5% due to lockdowns". The Express Tribune.
  25. ^ Haq, Shahram (February 14, 2021). "Engineering firms struggle for funds". The Express Tribune.
  26. ^ Abbas, Hassan (July 9, 2020). "Shrinking GDP, growing poverty: Experts for countering impact of coronavirus on economy". Business Recorder.
  27. ^ Naushahi, Shahbano (September 24, 2023). "Pakistani gender rights activist Muaz Chaudhry: the sole Obama Scholar from Pakistan". Minute Mirror.
  28. ^ Nietzel, Michael T. (March 1, 2025). "The US Gates Cambridge Scholars for 2025 Have Been Named". Forbes.
  29. ^ "Distinction". Dawn News. March 28, 2025.
  30. ^ Lahore School of Economics News Portal