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A transgender woman who overcame sexual abuse in a male prison to offer advice to those fighting for rights has spoken about the ongoing battle for equality.

Nisha Ayub is a leading advocate for transgender rights in Malaysia and has personal experience of the persecution that transgender people can face.

The Malaysian native was beaten and jailed simply for who she is - a transgender, Muslim woman living in a Muslim-majority country.

At just 21, Nisha was arrested for dressing as a woman and served three months in a men’s prison, where she reveals she was sexually abused by a warden and other prisoners in a male prison.

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But now, the 36-year-old says that the transgender community has given her "strength, care, support and courage" in her continued fight for transgender rights.

The founder of two NGOs - the SEED Foundation, which provides support to transgender individuals and other marginalised communities, and Justice for Sisters, which provides legal aid to transgender individuals and seeks to end persecution of LGBTI people - she's been recognised by the US State Department with an International Women of Courage award.

After spearheading a campaign to promote positive images of transgender people, she currently runs workshops on sexual orientation and hate crimes for government, corporate, and civil society groups.

There were 14 Women of Courage recognised at the event at the US State Department in Washington on Tuesday, with awards presented by State Secretary John Kerry.

Nisha, the first transgender female to win, wrote on her Facebook that she was accepting it on behalf of all transgender women.

She said: "It's truly an honour to receive such international recognition from the United States Of America.

"This award is not just for me but for all transwoman as its shows that we transwoman are recognised and accepted being apart of this international award that is for women.

"It's an honour... to receive this award on behalf of the community.

"Thank you to each and everyone of you that have been given me the strength, care, support and courage towards advocating for transgender rights."

In John Kerry's speech, he praised Nisha for her bravery in the face of horror.

(Image: Getty)

He said: "Nisha Ayub has been the target of discrimination and violence in Malaysia for many years, even being imprisoned for three months in which she endured sexual abuse and humiliation.

"She continues to face threats but remains committed to her work because it’s what she cares about and because she knows its the right thing to do.

"Nisha Ayub for your extraordinary work to promote societies that are more just, fair and tolerant, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, we honour you,” he added, reports The Star.