In a male dominated environment, Pakistani women have
had to struggle a lot to succeed in their chosen fields
of interest. It took them years to create a niche for
themselves in activities outside home.
Especially significant for women of Pakistan are
the fields of Politics, Arts, Sports, Education and
the Social sector. Here's a look at some of the stalwarts
TYhe year 2004 in terms of women development may be considered
quite a significant one. What started late last year,
began bearing fruits this year. As we all know, women
representation in the parliament increased substantially
and for the first time in the history of Pakistan, women
are now given an opportunity to be the part of the state's
decision-making body. Not only that, but women may now
look after their own affairs in terms of introducing bills
and participating in legislating-processes.
In Pakistan there are
hardly any fields left where women have not established
themselves. It is really heartening to see that women
of various backgrounds, when given opportunity, have
reached admirable heights of skill and fame. The year
2004 is coming to an end, and the dawn of 2004 will
certainly witness women much more stalwart in their
respective fields of endeavour.
| Dr.
Anjum Amjad, member of the Punjab Assembly, introduced
the first Bill of some significance. The Bill referred
to as Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill 2004,
was presented against much opposition by male members
of the Assembly. But Dr. Anjum succeeded in getting
the full support of women members, and the Bill
was adopted by the House and passed on to the House
Committee before its implementation. This is a good
beginning and soon there might be many more such
activities where women
may define their own 'way of life' by |
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introducing
women-friendly legislation and abolishing or amending
biased or prejudicial laws like the Hudood Ordinance etc.
| Zubaida
Jalal, coming from a humble background, pursuing
her early education in Quetta and then completing
Masters in English Literature from University of
Balochistan, spent most of her time developing aspects
of 'special education' and became an active social
worker. As a social worker she also participated
in 'family planning programmes', creating awareness
among illiterate and less educated people. In 1982,
she established a Girls Primary School, on self-help
basis, in her native town Mand. This was the beginning
of achievements in the education sector by Zubaida
Jalal. Based on her work, she was appointed Federal
Minister for Education by President Pervez Musharraf
and later on,she participated |
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in the general election
and received the same portfolio in recognition for her
commendable work in taking education to remote areas of
Pakistan.
| Nelofer
Bakhtiar, with proven ability in the field of social
welfare services, was called in to take the portfolio
of 'Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Development'.
She comes from a well-known family and her work
with rural families and child-labour is well recognised. |
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Maleeha Lodhi proved herself many a time while handling
diplomatic assignments outside the country. Previously,
Ambassador to US and now re-assigned as Ambassador
to United Kingdom, she is a highly educated woman
and her achievements are many, in education, in
journalism, and in diplomatic service. Born in Lahore
and going through her early education in Pindi,
she proceeded for higher studies in the UK. Finally
she received her Ph.D. in Economics from the highly
reputed London School of Economics where she also
taught political sociology.
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Fariha Razak Haroon
is an accomplished journalist, social worker and parliamentarian.
She is recognised for her dedication to raising issues
of human concerns. Her work in the international arena
brought her the much coveted Lorenzo Natali 1st Prize
(Brussels - 2000) for her work in projecting Human Rights
issues. This was the first time that a Pakistani journalist
was acknowledged by the European Commission for the
prize. Fariha's writing shows her deep concern and involvement
in her subject. This has resulted in a number of awards
coming her way - recognising her exceptional ability
to raise concerns. Two more awards, Annual Muslim Award
(London 2004) given by the House of Lords, UK, and Outstanding
Journalist of South Asia 2000 are more than appreciation
for a devoted journalist. Well, that is not all, by
the time this article would be published she will have
received another prestigious Pakistani award Mader-e-Millat
Award 2004. To receive this, in the year dedicated to
Mohterma Fatima Jinnah, is an achievement that she can
well be proud of.
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Anita Ghulam
Ali has devoted a lifetime to education and educational
policy making. She has worked as a social worker
in this field. She is presently Education Minister,
Sindh. Her efforts in the educational field, bringing
education closer to people and advising on educational
policy matters has always been highly appreciated |
| Tehmina
Durrani is a recognised writer, social worker and
a speaker on issues of social nature. Her much publicised
and appreciated work comes in My Feudal Lord, based
on her own life and experiences and A Mirror to
the Blind , based on Abdul Sattar Edhi, world recognised
social worker. She has been conferred upon with
the highest civil award of Italy, the first Pakistani
woman to receive Men and Women for Peace Award 2000
given by Peace Foundation of Rome.
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| Begum
Anjum Majeed Malik, educationist and founder of
PECHS College for Women, is among the pioneers in
bringing education closer to women. PECHS College
stands as a milestone in the field of education.
The College is now recognised as one of the most
sought after educational institutes for girls in
Karachi.
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| Asma Jehangir, lawyer
of repute and human rights activist has gained much
respect at home and abroad for standing up against
violations of human rights in Pakistan and speaking
out her mind, no matter where there is injustice
to men, women and children. For her services, she
has also received the prestigious Freedom Award
from the Liberal International Organization, Ottawa,
Canada. |
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Ameena Saiyid has taken
Oxford University Press to such heights that it
has become the largest publication house in Pakistan.
Choosing books on various topics - politics, economics,
poetry, history, memoirs, novel etc, she has made
a mark in the quality of contents and publication.
She has also embarked upon Urdu translations of
most of the interesting books which has increased
the readership as Urdu is the most widely read and
understood language in Pakistan. |
| Kamila Shamsi is
well known at home and abroad for her beautiful
writings. Her literary accomplishments are outstanding.
Her first book, City by the Sea, brought her on
the scene as a serious novel writer. With Salt &
Saffron, she really established her self. Today
she holds many books to her name, all well received
and much appreciated in the local and also foreign
markets. She is the recipient of John Liewelyn /
Mail on Sunday Award, UK. At home she has received
the President's Excellence Award. |
| Shazia
and Sharmeen Khan have made a name for themselves
by entering and promoting cricket amongst Pakistani
women. Women sports have passed through many barriers,
accepted, held back, rejected etc. But people like
Shazia and Sharmeen, not only made the sport acceptable
but encouraged women to come forward and take up
games of their fancy. The two managed to take their
team to England and play a one-day-match against
one of their counties and came out winning. They
received a letter of appreciation from the Queen,
recognising their contribution in the promotion
of women's cricket. In the context of sports, an
upcoming squash star who has represented Pakistan
internationally, is Carla Khan. She is a world class
player who has a promising career ahead of her.
Her tremendous achievement is inspiring the young
Pakistani girls to take up tennis. |
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| In the artists group,
Rifat Alvi, Nahid Raza, Nusrat Azmat, Salwat Ali
and a young artist Nazia Khan must be mentioned
for achieving excellence in their work. Sheema Kirmani
and Nighat Cawdhry, against many odds have helped
to re-introduce classical dance to the young minds,
dragging fine arts from its deathbed and allowing
it a new lease of life. |
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There are other writers, journalists,
painters, stage artists and playwrights who can also
be mentioned here for their achievements and excellence
that gave them fame. But the idea was to name a few
who have achieved excellence with extraordinary work
and were recognised world over for the work they are
doing. Most of the local and foreign awards are given
to exceptional people, and these dynamic people will
hold the reigns of 2004.
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