Mr Asif Iqbal

Co-Founder, Dhanak of Humanity, Ghaziabad
Pioneer, Strengthening Alliances for Humanity and Secularism (SAHAS)

Mr Asif Iqbal is a seasoned social development practitioner and human rights advocate with nearly three decades of experience. After earning his Master’s degree in Social Work from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, in 1996, he has collaborated with numerous national and international organisations, grassroots groups, and campaigns, gaining deep expertise in addressing socio-legal challenges faced by marginalised communities. From 2015 to 2018, he served as a Member of the Child Welfare Committee, managing critical cases involving children in need of care and protection.

As co-founder of Dhanak, a Delhi-based NGO founded in 2004, Asif has raised awareness on natal family violence, the right to choose in marriage and relationships, gender equality, and peaceful interfaith coexistence. Under his leadership, two key national networks were established: ‘CHAYAN,’ advocating the right to choose in marriage, and ‘Roopantar,’ supporting victims and survivors of honour-based crimes. He pioneered India’s first gender-neutral shelter home for couples, a landmark initiative that inspired similar facilities in Delhi and Maharashtra. His unwavering dedication continues to strengthen alliances for humanity and secularism across the nation.