In a country where gender subordination is widely rampant, expecting women to outshine or least equal men seems like a far-fetched dream, but Pakistani women have turned the notion down. While Pakistani women of today enjoy privileges, benefits and a status that is better than women of past, the country still ranks as the third worst country for women in the world. But even in such unpleasant circumstances, there have been umpteenth Pakistani women who have stood on their own, taken charge and resolved to change the status of women in society. They are strong; they are powerful and have an impressive list of credentials that follows them through. Be it Fatima Jinnah, sister of founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah who was instrumental in changing the status of women or Benazir Bhutto who became the first prime minister of Pakistan, Marvi Memon who has actively taken a bold stance on issues of national interest or Roshaneh Zafar who has actively worked as a social entrepreneur, Pakistani women have performed exceptionally well on all fronts. To know more about the life and works of some inspiring Pakistani women who have rose above and beyond the norms to show their country and its men that they are no less, read on.
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Named to Time 100 thrice, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai exhibits phenomenal grit and inspires young girls everywhere. An assassination attempt by Islamic fundamentalists could not dampen her spirit, and she fought back with a bestselling memoir and won the Nobel Peace Prize as its youngest recipient, at 17.
Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who served as Pakistan's prime minister in two separate terms and became the first woman in a Muslim majority nation to lead a democratic government. She was assassinated, at the age of 54, and after her death has been revered by many as an icon for women's rights.
Bushra Maneka, popularly known as Bushra Bibi, is the current First Lady of Pakistan. She married Imran Khan six months prior to his ascendency as the prime minister of Pakistan. As First Lady, Bushra remains fairly inactive in political matters, but supports her husband's vision for Pakistan.
Noor Jehan was a Pakistani actress and playback singer. In a career spanning over 60 years, she is estimated to have sung around 20,000 songs. One of the most important Pakistani singers of all time, Noor Jehan is also widely regarded as one of the most influential and greatest South Asian singers of all time.
Fatima Jinnah was a Pakistani politician, stateswoman, and dental surgeon. She was the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Fatima worked closely with her elder brother, who often sought the advice of his sister. Fatima Jinnah is also credited with co-founding the All Pakistan Women's Association, which aims at promoting the welfare of Pakistani women.
While fans named her Pakistan’s Kim Kardashian, social-media celebrity Qandeel Baloch made headlines when she was strangled to death by her brother for bringing dishonor to her conservative Muslim family. Qandeel was known for her outrageous antics, such as promising a strip-tease if the Pakistani cricket team won against India.
