If the world is being created for both men and women, why are specific opportunities/careers presumed only for men? Well, #breakingthebiases, and patriarchal monarchisms, Empowered women have proved themselves equal contenders for the opportunities given.
The world offers universal platforms, and it’s you and me deciding what is suitable for whom?
If we look at society as a whole, women are the ones who are struggling, striving, and contributing the most. However, when it comes to recognition, appreciation, and distribution of rewards, they are always the ones who are left out.
Thanks to women like “Mother of Feminism,” Gloria Steinem, Lady Liberty, Madeline Ruid, Sophia Bush, and Gertrud Adelborg for evolving the trends, norms, and social ideologies, bringing global women to the limelight.
Women's Empowerment in Pakistan
Continuing the same thought processes and the hope of empowerment, women in Pakistan have also left their traces in all fields of life. Now, be it social science, astronomy, civil service, engineering, technology, health, agriculture, and even gaming, you will find women serving neck-neck with men and many more.
We are lucky to have figures like Bilqees Edhi, Nigar, Alya Bakhshal, and Arfana Mallah inspiring current generations while becoming a beacon of hope for upcoming generations.
Not only within the country but also internationally, they are recognized for their exceptional services and for breaking the men-only records, contributing to social integrity, and inspiring dozens of young girls within the country and globally.
This Women’s day, Chakor Ventures is paying tribute to some remarkable achievers, those empowered women who are the pride of the country and have broken the “Bias” with their dedication and efforts.
Inspiring Women of Pakistan
In Pakistan, only 25% of women working hold a degree from a university, whereas others have primary education. Sadly, contributing the most leg work, especially in our houses, women are being mistreated, particularly in rural areas. In urban cities, they are considered less than men and are treated less, no matter how qualified professionals they are.
Talking about the entrepreneurial ground in the world, women own only 8% of micro-small and medium size enterprises.
Despite all the prejudices they face, Pakistan’s produced innumerable extraordinary women. They are steel in them who passionately pursue their careers, primarily dominated by men, and are rising above the sky.
Let’s pay tribute to some of the most iconic women of Pakistan;
Zahida Kazmi, Pakistan's First Female Taxi Driver
Zahid Kazmi started her journey in the year 1992 after the death of her husband. She is the first female taxi driver in Pakistan.
She bought a yellow cab with the help of government initiated employment scheme of 1987. Now she proudly drives through the busy roads and lanes of Islamabad to the remote areas.
Shazia Parveen, First Female FireFighter
Shazia Parveen is the first female firefighter in Pakistan. By the age of 22 in 2010, she joined rescue services in the Vehari district of Punjab province. This passionate lady aims to save and serve the people of her own country.
Also, she served at the Punjab Emergency Services Academy in Lahore; currently, she is a firefighter trainer, training both male and female students.
Noorena Shams, Pakistan's Female Squash Player
Noorena Shams, the confident speaker and a great squash player is a multi-talented sportsperson. She is Pakistan’s first female Squash Player with 63 gold medals, 24 silver medals, and five bronze medals.
She used to mask herself in man’s kit to play cricket.
She has secured the position of the first female athlete in Pakistan. Also, she has been a cyclist and cricketer.
Samina Baig, Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer
Samina Khayal Baig is the first Pakistan woman mountaineer to summit K2, the world’s 2nd highest mountain. The 31-year-old climbed almost 8,611-metre (28,251-foot) peak.
She honored her country by climbing Everest and all seven summits on seven continents in 2014. Also, she is the youngest Muslim woman to climb Mount Everest at the age of 21 years.
Mehreen Baloch, Pakistan's Female Boxer
Mehreen Baloch, a national women’s boxing champion, is Pakistan’s female Boxer. She is the only female Boxer in Pakistan. Also, the first-ever female Pakistani Boxer featured in the Commonwealth Games.
She has been nominated amongst the first five-member squad for the multisport event scheduled for Birmingham, UK.
Nameer Aurangzeb, Director at Saving9
Nameer Aurangzeb is the director at Saving9, Asia’s first Mental Health Ambulance. This organization has benefitted 20 families, and rest many more to benefit from her efforts. She has performed as the coordination, strategic partner, and outreach at various hospitals and clinics and initiated various effective operations for the growth of the Pakistan’s first women-led Ambulance services.
She has trained over 500 hundred adults and children in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and other rural communities. Also, she has given first-aid training to 20 transgender in Islamabad and Lahore.
Mrs. Tanveer, Home-based Chef at Two Hands Kitchen
Sana Tanveer is a female food stall seller of delicious Singaporean rice and various Chinese dishes at extremely reasonable prices. She belongs to the Memon family. She is a courageous woman who has broken the bias of being a woman vendor on the street. When only man is presumed to be sellers on the streets.
She is an expert at cooking BBQ, Singaporean Mexican, and Turkish cuisines of high quality and rich in quantity. Her dishes price starts from Rs.200 only. Her delicious taste won millions Karachites.
Nigar Johar – Pakistan's first woman three-star general
Nigar Johar, the first women three-star general in Pakistan, is the Lieutenant General. She was promoted to the rank in the year 2020. She is also the female surgeon general of the Pakistan Army.
She is an officer who hails from Swabi district to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, her journey as a cadet started in 1981. She has honored the command of the armed forces hospital.
Dr. Sarah Qureshi – Aerospace Engineer
Dr. Sarah Qureshi is a Pakistani aerospace engineer considered a stereo breaker for women in the country. She is a master’s from Aerospace Dynamics and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Propulsion, both from Cranfield University, UK.
She has developed the world’s first contrail-free aircraft engine to reduce aviation-induced global warming, making air travel environmentally safe.
Conclusion
Women of Pakistan have been tabooed as only housewives and considered to be part of family caretakers. Also, unfortunately not at all appreciated initially. Still, the most inspiring, courageous, devoted, and bias breakers have trodden in the country to be role models for future generations… they are working in the fields where women are considered aliens.
