Women are known for their intelligence, patience,
perseverance and an amazing will power. In fact, even in the patriarchal
system, some women have managed to carve their names permanently in Pakistan’s
history. They have not only laid the foundational stones in creating what
Pakistan is today, but have given so many women inspiration.
Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi also added on the International Women’s Day that:
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/440966-pakistani-women-have-shaped-the-future-of-the-globe-fm
While these women belong to different times, together, all
these names are nothing less than legends.
Find out about the top 7 women who shaped the dynamic of
Pakistan over the years.
Fatima Jinnah (1893-1967)
One of the leading founders of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah was
the younger sister of Quaid-e-Azam Ali Jinnah. Further, she was a member of the
Working Committee of the Bombay Provincial Muslim League till Pakistan came
into being in 1947.
Moreover, she created the All India Muslim Women Students
Federation which later converted into the All Pakistan Women’s Association.
Mader-e-Millat (Mother of the Nation)
Fatima Jinnah helped her elder brother in many ways, one of
them being an advisor to him. Therefore, known for her strength for standing
next to his brother in tough times, Fatima Jinnah should always be remembered
for her will-power, support and struggle to create this nation.
In short, she is known as Madar-e-Millat
(Mother of the Nation) and Khatun-e-Pakistan (Lady of Pakistan) because no one
deserves these titles as much as she does.
Begum
Jahanara Nawaz Shah (1869-1979)
Significantly, Begum Jahanara Nawaz was the main driving
force behind the 1918 resolution against polygamy. At the same time, she was
the Provincial President of All India Muslim Women’s Conference. Afterward, she
became Vice President of the Central Committee of the All India Muslim Women’s
Conference.
Interestingly, she was a notable member of the Red Cross
Society as well. Begum was the first woman to supervise a legislative session
in Asia. Moreover, she believed in philanthropy and was hence associated with
orphanage committees of the Anjuman-i-Himayat-Islam in Lahore.
Read her novel Husn
Ara Begam as well as her political autobiography titled Father and Daughter to know her better.
Atiya
Faizi
Interestingly, being the first Muslim woman to be educated
abroad, Atiya Faizi went to London in 1906-7 for the reason. In addition, owing
to her open-mindedness, she joined various women’s organizations. Thus,
becoming an inspiration for young girls and helping them turn their dreams into
reality.
Namely, she changed the lives of the following women.
- Shireen:
Indeed, the first woman in 1934 who passed and scored a great position in her
MBBS examinations. - Sakina Mewzada : The first woman to
start practicing law in the Bombay High Court after passing her L.L.B
examinations back in 1941. - Zubaida Manor: The first banker in 1944
with the help of Begum Atiya Faizi.
Fatima Sughra
Begum Fatima Sughra, also referred to as Begum Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, was not only a
Pakistani activist but a true flag-waver like none other.
Quite literally, she courageously
risked her life and waved her green duppata to represent Pakistan. Where, you ask? Significantly, this
happened at the British Union Jack on the Punjab Government Secretariat building
in 1947. Equally important, she was only 14 years old at that time!
In addition, her act did not
only help her gain the spotlight, but she also received a gold medal for her
brave service from the Government of Pakistan later.
Begum
Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan
The wife of the first prime minister of Pakistan, ‘Liaquat Ali Khan’, Begum was a strong
woman who helped pave the right path for many.
Indeed, she was the first woman to win the Human Rights
Award. In addition, she is also known for starting the women’s voluntary
service 1948 where she motivated women to become independent and responsible.
While her husband was assassinated in 1951, her spirit did
not shatter and she continued to provide services to Pakistan politically.
Bilquis Edhi
Top woman philanthropist of Pakistan, the widow of Abdul
Sattar Edhi; Bilquis Edhi runs her husband’s charitable cause, the ‘Edhi Foundation’. Indeed, known as the
mother of Pakistan, Begum Bilquis has not only saved more than 20,000 homeless
children but has helped them sustain a decent living. The couple received
various awards from the Government of Pakistan for providing unmatched social
services to all the helpless and the needy.
72 years old, even today she runs the foundation, aiding
many without discrimination.
Benazir Bhutto
Iconic Benazir Bhutto was the first woman prime minister of
Pakistan from 1988-1990 and again from 1993-1996. Unfortunately, she was
assassinated in 2007 in Rawalpindi.
A Harvard University graduate, Benazir Bhutto was not only adequately
educated but was an open-minded Pakistani who helped her country grow in many
ways. During her premiership, she portrayed the best image of Pakistan during
her foreign political trips, from which, she helped re-admit Pakistan in the
Commonwealth of Nations.
She was a true leader and still resides in the hearts of
many; ‘Jiye Bhutto’
