Women are considered to be the backbone of a nation. Too long have women, young and old, remained a victim, a burden, an item to be discarded. Majority of us females are to blame as we let this happen and never voiced our condemnation against suffering. Circumstances are swiftly changing in Pakistan in current times due to women empowerment campaigns all around the world. Not only that, a significant number of women in Pakistan are using their liberty to lend a hand of support and a voice of reason to the lesser fortunate but equally important inhabitants of this country. Education systems are signifying the importance of equality between men and women. The values instilled in the minds of young today will become the beautiful morals for this nation tomorrow and this is how the females of current and next generations will live brighter, more prosperous lives. Following are 10 examples set by women in Pakistan, who have proved that women are capable of achieving great things.
1- Malala Yousafzai
At the age of 11, Malala became an international advocate of female education by writing a blog and demanding education for girls in Swat Valley. On October 9, 2012, she paid a heavy price for her efforts with a bullet to the forehead, But fortunately, Malala survived and bounced back to inspire millions of women across the world. And yeah, she became the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize-winner on December 12, 2014.
“I speak not for myself but for those without voice. Their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.” -Malala
2- Arfa Karim
At the age of just nine, Arfa was recognised as the youngest certified Microsoft Professional. Unfortunately this genius passed away at the age of 16 saddening people all across Pakistan and even abroad including Bill Gates. But her free spirit and determination continues to inspire girls all across the world.
“If you want to do something big in your life you must remember that shyness is only the mind. If you think shy, you act shy. If you think confident you act confident. Therefore never let shyness conquer your mind.” -Arfa
3- Saba Gul
She is the Founder and CEO of Popinjay, a social enterprise that empowers marginalized underprivileged girls in Pakistan with education and provides them with employment opportunities, reducing their dependency on others and making them independent and confident.
4- Ayesha Farooq
Ayesha is Pakistan’s first ever female war-ready fighter pilot. The 26-year-old fighter has achieved the rank of pilots in the Pakistan Air Force.
“My mother raised me to be strong, to a point that if one day, I was left alone, I would be able to take care of myself.” -Ayesha
5- Musarrat Misbah
Founder of a beauty salon that helps rehabilitate female survivors of acid attacks. The foundation’s aim is to provide the women with medical and psychological care and help them gain confidence and employment. Over the last decade, Misbah has helped around 600 acid attack victims.
“It is very easy for a male dominant society like ours to suppress women. It’s just because I refuse to compromise on my principles. My problem is that I am too trusting but now I have finally learnt to say no.” -Misbah
6- Samina Baig
She became the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain with a peak at 8,848 metres. Samina proved that there is no height a woman cannot climb.
“Mountain climbing is my passion, and to empower women through my expeditions is the reason.” -Baig
7- Shamim Akhtar
She became the first Pakistani women to get a license for a heavy vehicle, killing the discrimination between the genders and encouraging women empowernment. She presents herself as a role model for hundreds of such women who have the ability to do something unique but are suppressed by the male dominant society.
“Nothing is too difficult” -Shamim
8- Parveen Saeed
The owner of Khana Ghar, Parveen started this business to provide hot meals for three rupees to low income individuals. It has become a lifeline for hundreds of poor men and women who are unable to make ends meet. The motivated people of Pakistan achieved what the government failed to deliver.
9- Kulsoom Abdullah
A software engineer by profession with a PHD, Kulsoom is the only female weight lifter who represented Pakistan in Asia and world championship.
10- Muniba Mazari
She became a paraplegic following a tragic road traffic accident but instead of wallowing in perpetual grief, she showcases her paintings on her blog and also took part in modelling. She also visited the survivors of the Army public school tragedy (Peshawar) in various hospitals and is a strong advocate of children’s rights and education. She is the face of dignity and strong determination and serves as a role model not only for women but also for men who are or had to overcome mental or physical disabilities in life.
“People teach their children not to be selfish and not to say ME and I. We all need others to survive- not just in our personal relationships, but in our all relationships. Think of WE not ME.” -Muniba
