Pakistan is the birthplace of many powerful and accomplished women who not only altered their own lives and destinies but also rose to prominence as role models for other women in society. The only other Islamic nation where a woman has led the nation and served as prime minister twice is Pakistan.
These women are not limited to the affluent; many middle-class and working-class households also have these women, who are shattering taboos and prejudices and performing incredible and miraculous work that is altering the general perception of Pakistani women around the world.
They are political heavyweights, corporate magnates, elected prime ministers, members of parliament, CEOs, and board members, among others. These individuals, who are engineers in several fields, including software, mechanical, electrical, civil, and aeronautical, have worked really hard to earn a spot on the Fortune Forbes list and a seat in the boardroom. Above all, they defy prejudices, change their own and their families’ fates, and work as scientists, physicians, pilots, attorneys, and judges.
News of the USA selecting students for their scholarship programme has recently surfaced, and many of those selected are female. These women are making history in Pakistan possible by making this happen. But several female names, such Muniba Mazari (artist, activist, motivational speaker), Justice (retd) Nasira Iqbal, Nasreen Zehra (director, Aurat Foundation), and Mira Phailbus (teacher), are listed among Forbes’ “30 under 30” list of social entrepreneurs.
However, a lot of women from poor backgrounds are also making a difference in their life by starting small businesses such as cafes, restaurants, salons, schools, and the list goes on. By doing this, they are not only improving society and the economy but also providing for their family.
The government’s initiatives to promote a gender-balanced society and professional world—where women work in all sectors and areas and no work should be taboo or gender-specific—are to blame for the shift in the general perception of women from being just “homemakers” to “bosses or entrepreneurs.” The most recent initiative by SECP in this regard is to appoint at least one female director in listed companies.
In addition, the government is bringing in more girls from Pakistani communities and minorities in order to treat all women equally and preserve a balance among them. The first Hindu female deputy supervisor has been recruited by Sindh police. Her name is “Manisha Rupita,” and she predominantly hails from Jacobabad District. She holds a doctor of medical treatment degree from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
This revolutionary shift, which was never simple to achieve, began when women decided they wanted to be more than just daughters, sisters, or wives; they desired a separate identity in society outside these fundamental responsibilities. When you choose to go out and work, your gender becomes an asset.
