AS Pakistan commemorated 76th anniversary of independence on August 14th, 2023, an impressive patchwork of accomplishments and indomitable interwoven by its women unfurls to us. These women from all the fields of society have gone against the stereotypes, questioned standards, crossed all hurdles, and paved the way towards progress and prosperity. From 1947 to today, their persistent determination, spirit and enormous achievements have contributed to a worthwhile esteemed history. From the groundbreaker Fatima Jinnah, the “Mother of the Nation” who strongly supported Pakistan, strived for women’s rights, laid down the corner stone for Pakistani women to today, women played an important role in the history of Pakistan. Notwithstanding grave challenges, women of Pakistan have portrayed exceptional resilience while making Pakistan proud in every arena. The report of Global Gender Gap Index in 2022 revealed gender inequality problems in Pakistan. However, perseverance and dedication of the country women provide a testament for extraordinary strength and talent. Firstly, sports and Olympics is only one field where our women have lasting contribution at international and national level from figure skating to cricket, cricket to swimming, swimming to martial arts. Mallak Faisal Zafar who is first figure skater of Pakistan at the age of 12 years got a gold medal in “International Eiscup Innsbruck” held in Austria, illustrates her potential to break the barriers. In addition, Rubab Raza, Anum Bandey, Kiran Khan, and Lianna Swan are the best swimmers in the country who overcame gender preconceptions by actively participating in the competition at Commonwealth and Asian games. Their victories serve as beacons of inspiration, indicating that zeal and hard work can overcome difficulties.
Other than sports, our women have portrayed an essential role for the advocacy of children and human rights. For instance, an expatriate Pakistani woman, Faiza Abdul Aziz currently residing in Saudi Arabia is striving for the betterment of the well being of children with special needs. She made “Independent Learning Center” (ILC)” in Saudi Arabia under their ministry of social affair to help children with ADHD, Autism and other disorders through training and therapy sessions. Her aim is to help improve the well being of children suffering from these neurological disorders. In addition, Begum Shaista Ikramullah was influential in the case of UDHR. She advocated for the Article 16 which solely focused on the “equal rights for marriage” and raised her voice on liberty, equality, against forced marriage and child marriage through international platforms on human rights. She was also associated with UN and worked a lot on the rights of women and gender equality problems. Moreover, Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani activists challenged the misconceptions regarding the disabled by promoting the rights of the disabled and paralyzed people. She took part in various campaigns to ratify UN convention for the “Rights of Persons with Disabilities” (CRPD) and illustrated the importance of equality and inclusiveness through her speeches.
In addition, women are now actively engaging in the tech industries as well in Pakistan. For instance, Sidra Qasim who is the founder of Markhor company, Sharmeen Obaid who attained victory by winning an Oscar for film making, Jehan Ara who is the president of a software industry are notable examples of the women involvement in the tech industries and businesses. Furthermore, Dr. Tasnim Ahsan who is the winner of “Endocrine Society’s Laureate Award for 2023”, Bismah Maroof who is the cricket champion, Ayesha Malik who stood against sexual violence and served as a judge at supreme court, Nigar Johar who is the first female Lieutenant General in the history of Pakistan ever and various other women made every possible effort to make Pakistan proud. It is imperative to recognize and acknowledge the contributions and accomplishments of these and many other daughters of Pakistan. It is necessary to empower women of Pakistan through equal rights and opportunities for a prosperous, equitable and bright future of the country. As Pakistan is entering into the next phase, it is important to note that the country’s women are not only serving but spearheading change, overcoming setbacks and establishing a memorable history.
The writer is Researcher at Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
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