Women of Pakistan

Jul 28, 2008 - 12:55 PM | by Terri Buchman

Senator Kerry was one of the US observers of the Pakistani elections that were held in February of this year. Americans, as well as people from all over the world, were shocked and saddened by the murder of Benazir Bhutto last December. Mrs. Bhutto had been a voice of hope and a strong advocate for democracy for Pakistan. Senator Kerry issued this statement about the elections in February while on that Foreign Relations Committee trip, "First and foremost, this election is a tribute to the Pakistani people, who were not deterred by the threat of violence or the tragic assassination of one of their most revered political figures, and who went to the polls and made a powerful statement about their commitment to democracy."

Mrs. Bhutto was an inspiration to a lot of people around the world. She was a leader and a symbol of the possibilities open to women in Pakistan. Myra Chaudhary once again offers some perspectives on Pakistan and what Mrs. Bhutto and her message meant to so many Pakistanis the world over. Again, Myra is not writing as a foreign policy expert but as an American with roots in Pakistan. These blog posts are a wonderful way to share some insights into a country that is critical to the future of the Near East and critical to America's foreign policy plans in a troubled region of the world.

Women of Pakistan

My thoughts go back to that beautiful New England autumn day when I met Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. There she was a beautiful and graceful woman who had been in such a powerful position-- leading a country of 160 million. Loved and supported by millions, the first ever woman prime minister of a Muslim country and also the youngest prime minister to be elected twice. She was a woman who had gone through struggles and hardships beyond imagination. There was an air of elegance to her. You could feel her wisdom. Every gesture of hers was a testament to her strength and determination. But what touched me most was her simple human side. The way she talked about her children and expressed how difficult it was to be away from them. How she spoke with such compassion and warmth. I fondly remember how she looked at the blue sky and the red-orange leaves and said "this is my version of heaven on earth". Little did I understand what she had meant then: that the simple little joys of life are often its biggest pleasures.

Four years later, on an ordinary day in December while on school vacation, things changed. I woke up, and then I heard the devastating news of her assassination. How could anybody be so cruel as to take the life of this woman, a mother of three beautiful children? How could they deprive a nation of a much needed leader? Why did they do that?

Benazir was a symbol of hope, courage, and determination. She was very progressive and she never gave up her struggle for democracy. She was loved by millions but she was also feared by many because of that same strength and determination. She was a threat to them. And that is why they wanted to stop her. They knew they could not, so they took her life. What a terrible tragedy. She is gone but her legacy to never ever lose hope will live on.

Such are the stories of the ongoing struggles of the people of Pakistan and the women who have never stayed behind. This goes back to even before Pakistan was created. Fatima Jinnah the sister of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinah, stood by the side of her brother all the way to the creation of Pakistan. Then, it was in 1965, when Fatimah Jinnah, ran for president. One million people came to support her on her 293 mile campaign train route called the "Freedom Special". People were so energized by her words that they kept on pulling the emergency breaks at each station, begging her to speak and delaying her train by 22 hours. It is so inspiring that even so long ago one woman was able to captivate such large audiences. She tirelessly fought against a dictator. People were very fond of her and began to call her Mother of the Nation (Madar E Millat), embodying hope, equality, justice, and unity.

Women in Pakistan have continued to play a very important role. They are actively involved in the government, politics, and society at all levels. They are doctors, business women, engineers, lawyers, diplomats, ambassadors, artists, teachers, writers, poets, singers, workers, farmers, mothers, wives, students, and the list goes on and on. The current speaker of the national assembly is also a woman. Women in fact are a strong part of the fabric of society in Pakistan just like they are in America.

We need to remember, though, that a vast majority of the population in Pakistan lives in rural areas many of which are lacking even basic facilities and amenities. This is especially true in the remote areas. In our struggle for peace in this very important part of the world, let us not ignore the importance of woman. Women are central to a family and it all begins there. We cannot afford to leave these women behind. The world needs to help empower them with possibilities and keep hope alive.

I dedicate this little piece to the struggling women of Pakistan and women all over the world.

Other articles in this series:

Hope Within Pakistan- July 5, 2008
Education and Poverty in Pakistan- July 13, 2008

Women of Pakistan- July 28, 2008

A Message of Hope and Determination- August 12, 2008

-Myra Chaudhary

Myra is a junior at Brandeis University. She is majoring in Economics and International and Global Studies.

23 Comments

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Dear Myra

Again your work is very inspirational. like an artist your work creates a visual masterpiece of current affairs. I really enjoyed reading this one, as I did the previous two articles. Keep up the good work!!

Alex..

Posted by ALEX | 07/28/08, 03:02 PM EST

My Dear Myra

I’ve been earnestly waiting for another article from you and here it is. Superb! as usual. Congratulation little fairy…carry on with your charisma.

You are right. The women in our part of world are very focussed and well determined for doing good. They are emblem of personal virtue, patience, perseverance and sacrifice. Each leader is representative of the collective values a nation practices, and being a female, Benazir was indeed an ambassador of soft values, a traditional Muslim may hold.

Our society in the east is more matriarchal in the sense,that we believe our women to be the nucleus of the family, with the power of compassion binding everyone and caring for everyone around.

Unfortunately Benazir is no more among us. May her soul rest in best stations of Paradise. Amen! But morally and spiritually she is very much alive in our hearts. Women are much inspired by her dedication, her commitment, her principled leadership and above all the balance she created in her home and political life. So Benazir is very much alive in the consciousness of young women, girls, who may be following her as role model in future.

She was our voice in International politics, a leader of great stature. After her sad demise, and Musharraf being cornered by negative propaganda within home, we feel ourselves standing under bare sun without any shelter. Nobody is there to speak for us, and take stand for us in this critical moment.

May Allah save and protect our country from evil ideas within and without home. Amen!

Posted by Seema Arif in Lahore, Pakistan ( www ) | 07/29/08, 10:48 PM EST

Myra, Many political and religous leaders past and present are foolish enough to really believe that intelligence and wisdom are limited by nature to those inhabiting the male body. History surely demonstrates otherwise. The United States certainly has a way to go yet to take full advantage of wisdom wherever and contained within whomever it may be found. Franklin Roosevelt was certainly one of our most able presidents but without Eleanor, the racial and sexist polocies would not have been improved nearly to the extent that they were without her work and influence on her husband. On a personal note, I can only say that I was raised by a single parent at a time that this was frowned upon in our society. My Mother was one of the wisest and most compassionate people I have ever been privileged to know. My circle of friends without exception were charmed by her quiet dignity. It is only because of her that I came to be the person that I am. On an international level, your Ms. Bhutto extended to your countrymen and the world that same rare and wonderful gift. She will not and cannot be forgotten. May her spirit continue to guide Pakistan and the world. Dan West

Posted by Daniel West in Roslindale, Massachusetts | 07/31/08, 04:04 PM EST

You have clearly provided Americans with more than a few ideas to consider at this tumultuous time when things seem so “black and white” to many people. Upon reading of your experiences there, I am not at all surprised by your pride in Pakistan. For my part, I continue to take a great deal of pride in having been your teacher. As always, you present your point of view powerfully, yet eloquently. What strikes me most about the issues effecting virtually all nations today is the symbiotic relationship that poverty and ignorance maintains with prejudice, hatred, and intolerance. By bringing to light the commonalities shared by Americans and Pakistanis you are helping to solve the problem of ignorance. Unfortunately, the poverty problem will likely need the intervention of governments to find a permanent solution, and that hasn’t been exactly forthcoming. Keep up the good work.

Posted by Mr. Grimmett | 07/31/08, 06:43 PM EST

Myera,
Once again you are touching the hearts of many people by telling the real stories. In Islam Women have a very respectful place and an educated woman can educate generations. Islam has given equal rights to both genders and more respect to woman as she is mother, a sister, a daughter and a wife at different levels. They all play a great role in building nations.This is why education in more importent for women. Thanks, Iftikhar

Posted by Syed Iftikhar Hussain | 08/01/08, 02:48 PM EST

Gone were the days when people would normally hear that the woman’s place is in the home. Now we
are in the 21st century and women are no longer
confined and surrounded by four walls. They are out there in the fast-changing world, mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, cousins and even grandmothers. They all are making a difference.
And what a difference Benazir Bhutto had made! She
was a woman of courage, conscience and conviction.
For her love of Pakistan and its people, she opted
to become not just a regular spectator but got
herself involved in the middle of the arena. This
had led to the tragic end of her glorious life.
Why do bad things happen to good people? This must
be a question that you yourself, Myra, had asked and so did a lot of people. Why did a beautiful
life end the way it did? Benazir Bhutto’s name may
forever be carved in some stone monument or etched on the walls of some buildings but her ideals and beliefs will forever remain in the hearts and minds of people who had been touched, in any way, big or small, just by her very existence. You do agree, Myra, that you are so
fortunate to have met someone who was one of a kind.

Posted by josie | 08/01/08, 07:14 PM EST

Dear Myra, another well written and informative article.Prime Minister Bhutto was a voice of hope and an inspiration to a lot of women around the world. She will be missed by many who adored her and believed in her philosophy.Keep up the good work as usual. Sincerely, Donna Gaber

Posted by Donna Gaber in Swampscott,MA | 08/02/08, 06:25 AM EST

By writing this piece, at least to me, you have proved that you are no flash in the pan. Consistency comes out as the winner, eventually.

I just wish that you had amplified some of the other less talked about(and even less written)women, to go with the title/theme you gave to your article, if that was the intent. However, this can be done in another follow-up article. As a young lady, I would urge you to read Shaela Haeri’s “No Shame for the Sun”. (Shehla is a BU professor has written more on the accomplishments of Pakistani women as an Irani than even Pakistanis themselves).

Back to BB. No doubt she will go down the world history as a martyr and has given her life to the country. I pray that the Pakistani leaders and politicians are able to capitalize on the momentum and the roadmap she has set for them.

Posted by Siraj Khan in Hudson MA 01749 | 08/02/08, 12:13 PM EST

I am really overwhelmed & captivated after going through your article. You little innocent angel ! I knew you were very intelligent but was ignorant of your such deep insight into world affairs. You start your writings softly & then really immerse into deep socio- political affairs in such a way that one is really fascinated by your ideas & can hardly take off ones eyes until the end of the article. I agree with you hundred percent that our women are second to none in the world. They are flying airplanes, serving army as Generals & police as Deputy Inspector General; Not only our speaker of National Assembly is a lady but the Governor of State Bank of Pakistan is a woman�Shamshad. We are proud of them all & also proud of our leaders, our dauntless speakers , our devoted , unflinching , daring & talented ladies like Benazir & Ms. Fatima Jinnah. They sacrificed their lives for Pakistani nation & for democracy. They are like milestone to us & also a great source of inspiration. Hats off to them . The need of the time is to educate our female section of the society for a real & solid upraise of our country. Thank God the girls are being educated by the masses & the results of senior secondary class declared recently by all the Boards of Pakistan show mostly the girls on top of list. Continue this good job my doll; we need not be dismayed when we have young girls like you as our spokesman. God bless you. Amma

Posted by Shad Masood in Sahiwal, Pakistan | 08/03/08, 01:28 AM EST

#10

Dear Myra;
I enjoyed your this presentation. We are proud of you and please keep up this good job.Islam says that we should teach boys and girls and education is the right of each human being.

Posted by manzoor tariq in St Louis,MO | 08/03/08, 08:14 PM EST

#11

Dear Myra this is very well put together. This is an area that has long been neglected and needs to be nurtured to get Pakistan out of the list of 3rd world countries. It is our youth that needs to show the way and I read with great pleasure your enthusiastic and constructive approach to bringing some of the most critical issues to the fore. Keep up the good work and i am sure will draw the attention long due.

Posted by Shazib Pervaiz | 08/05/08, 09:11 AM EST

#12

Women are the back bone of a family and society at large, No question at all. The women of Pakistan have proven this beyond a doubt at every socio-economic level starting from a poor uneducated laborer all the way up to the prime minister. Any investment into the betterment and welfare of women is bound to make a huge difference and will have big returns anywhere in the world. In case of Pakistan a lot of attention needs to be paid to educate women in rural and particularly in the remote areas. In these areas this education needs to have certain goals above and beyond the enrichment and enlightenment of minds which has to be the fundamental goal of good education. It needs to build their confidence and make them aware of their rights. It needs to truly equip them with knowledge and skills that have applications in their daily lives and in their immediate surroundings to help spur local economies and improve their lives to make a real difference every where.

It is no wonder that the terrorists in those regions have been destroying and burning schools especially the ones for women. These mislead people, these cowards, the enemies of ALL religions, the true enemies of Islam in particular and humanity at large are scared of the possibilities. They are scared stiff of the Benazirs that could come out of these schools.
Benazir you are and will always be missed.
God bless Benazir’s soul.

Posted by Tahir in Boston, USA | 08/05/08, 10:48 AM EST

#13

dear myra, i thank senator kerry for his wise idea to have you share your thoughts, experiences, and wishes for a better pakistan in your simply put articles. you write so that the man off the streets can understand what’s happened, and is happening. i had no idea. faye

Posted by faye soohoo | 08/05/08, 08:19 PM EST

#14

Dear Myra,

I am really touched to read your article on “Woman of Pakistan” that describes the historical role of women in the country and the ground reality on the women’s active participation in all spheres of life in their families and the society as a whole. To build a stronger nation, we need to strengthen and empower our women with more education and opportunities for self reliance. You are doing a great service by bring this vital aspect to the attention of those who can support the programs on women issues in Pakistan. Best wishes, Dure Khala

Posted by Dure Afzal in NJ | 08/07/08, 12:38 PM EST

#15

Your article is thought provoking. The image of women in Pakistan generally depicts a woman of the village. So many Americans often ask if we have to cover our faces when visiting Pakistan. Our country is far more advanced than given credit for.Women have such a high rank that we are one of the few nations who had a female leader. How can you get more advanced in your thinking? I was never a big fan of people surrounding Benazir Bhutto but do believe she could have done wonders for Pakistan. Thankyou for your tribute to Women of Pakistan.

Posted by Muneeza Nasrullah in Boston, Ma | 08/08/08, 08:42 AM EST

#16

This article is very nice. I just finished reading “A Thousand Splendid Suns,” which talks about women in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Though this is fiction, I know that it touched on many realities. It is truly sad when women cannot get opportunities and education to succeed and work, in Pakistan and around the world.
Shilpa

Posted by Shilpa Mukunda | 08/13/08, 01:09 PM EST

#17

Myra, well written.
I am a pakistani born american.
Yes,I am from the extreme north of pakistan.. mountainous karakorum region.. but i am fortunate to have been educated. It is my medical education in pakistan that has now enabled me to live,work and teach in boston.
For a person from the remotest part of pakistan:I am now privilaged to treat the mentally ill of my community here in boston. Education liberates us women to transcend borders and horizons.
regards
fauzia wk md.

Posted by fauzia in boston ma | 08/13/08, 09:11 PM EST

#18

Myra, Your elaborate account of Benazir Bhutto’s life is indicative of your passion for her. Indeed, rightfully so! Such expression also demonstrates your high degree of altruism;a quality that all decent human beings should have. Thus, it is my hope that “somehow” you will contribute to the survival of her legacy

Meriane

Posted by Meriane Daphnis | 08/20/08, 09:29 PM EST

#19