The history of Pakistan marks uncountable women of achievements dating back to pre-independence when the movement of an independent state for Muslims during the British Raj began. During the Pakistan Movement, both women leaders and those with ordinary background presented themselves as 'role model' by exhibiting values and characters made of bravery, valor and sacrifice. Women stood side by side with men, and succeeded as far as forming All India Muslim Women League. Abadi Begum, mother of Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali, Begum Muhammad Ali Jauhar - the only woman of the All India Muslim League working committee and first Muslim woman to address the public meetings, Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan, who formed women's voluntary service and women's National Guard and All Pakistan Women Association (APWA), Lady Nusrat Haroon - President of the All India Muslim Women League, Begum Jehan Ara Shahnawaz was the first Muslim woman to make a speech in London's Guild Hall and highly respected Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah devoted their life to build a secure Pakistan for the women of today.
65 years on, women are suffering from domestic violence, gender discrimination, sex harassment and social injustice. Women of all nationalities, creed and social background suffer the same. Be it an ordinary 12-year-old raped by the son of a feudal in Multan recently or Malala Yousaf fighting for education of girls in Pakistan. Struggle for women empowerment remains a battle in a democratic nation. As social and political activist Gloria Steinem puts it, "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."
Women Political Leadership, a Regional Learning Event in Nepal on International Women Day brought together women leaders who shared their experiences, challenges and struggle to a successful career. Among those who led the workshop and participants, who freely shared their apprehensions and incidents of bravery in their career were Farah Khushi - Trustee for Medical Aid to Pakistan and Pioneers Women's Rights with 'Scottish Circle,' Tasmima Hossain - Editor Fortnight Magazine and Ex Member of Parliament, Laxmi Sharma - Entrepreneur and founder Laxmi Wood Craft Udhyog, Ashila Niroshine Dandeniya Gamage - Human Right Defender Sri Lanka, Shaza Fatima Khawaja - Member National Assembly Pakistan, Rajni Kiran - founding members of JUMAV Manch, Ratna B K - Member Health Post Management Committee & Chairperson-VDC level Dalit Sangh Nepali Congress and Shamima Sultana Silu, Head of Women Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh.
The work shop led by Cherian K Mathews, Regional Dircetor Oxfam Asia and TEERINK Rensje, EU Ambassador Nepal gave an eye opening insight into the struggle of women politicians that caused a strong emotional reaction among the participants. 'The Rivers of Life' led by Malini Gupta taught us to focus on key moments in life to reach where we are now while reflecting on our current role. 'Who would be women in Politics' inspired me to question my own motives, and ponder upon my dreams for the women of my nation. Malina Gupta, one of the most strongest women I have met during my career in politics, conducted most of the activities among which 'Journey of Personal Change' encouraged us to rethink 'What motivated us to show leadership in our life, how success looks like to us, the key challenges we face, and possibly what we think needs to happen for other women to engage more in this leadership space?"
Whilst we focused on our challenges and learn from each other's experience, it's worth noting how women leaders build their support structures and networks. What is expected from women leaders is sometimes unrealistic and hard to sustain, but as we strive to carry on we ensure we meet the expectations of our and party leaders. A research paper that I submitted during the workshop stated the Tireless Efforts of the Government in Promoting Women Empowerment and Development mentioning salient features of Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif's meeting with the US Ambassador on Global Women's Issues. It also presented Government's efforts to amend and support in ensuring laws that support women's dignity and freedom.
Towards the conclusion of the workshop, we admitted, the activity renewed our spirit; it rekindled hope and cleared our minds from ambiguities and fears that acted as hurdles in pursuing our goals. Pondering upon each word and what I learnt from other women leaders in Nepal, I continue to reflect upon the struggle of women who helped create Pakistan. If it was not for these women, who travelled from towns to villages, educated their sons, motivated their daughters, stood by their husbands, learnt from the experience of their fathers and encouraged their brothers to fight for a separate homeland for the Muslims, we would not be enjoying the freedom we live in today. The mission of each woman today is: Fight against oppression and male chauvinism. Fight for a democratic nation where all women enjoy equal rights. Together let's rebuild Pakistan.
(The writer is MNA PML (N), elected General Secretary RWP and Chief Co-ordinator for Prime Minister's Youth Skill Programme)
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