Women's Rights Champion loses her Fight against Cancer The Star, 16 January 1998 Shamima Shaikh (37), a leading human rights and gender activist, died of cancer on January 8. The courage with which she battled the disease was the same quality which made her a fearless campaigner for women's rights, a democratic and free South African, and the Muslim Youth Movement. She is survived by her husband and two young sons. A commemoration will be held at the Seido Jodo Hall in Mayfair West tomorrow at 2:30pm.