As March 8 approaches, it is time to acknowledge women’s achievements and the pivotal roles they continue to play in multiple capacities in our society. Most importantly, it is time to recognise women leaders in Pakistan who though skilled and strong, have many hurdles to cross and biases to fight to hold high offices in a predominantly patriarchal society.

There is undoubtedly no lack of strong female figures in Pakistan. From political activism to prime-ministership, women have made their mark in the past and continue to do so. If provided with equal opportunities, support and a level playing field, many more will be able to make their contribution. However, only a few have managed to slip through the thin margins and make their way to the country’s top positions in political and social spheres over the decades.

The list of women’s achievements is long - Pakistani women are representing the country in sports, flying fighter aircraft, serving in the police, working as aerospace engineers. Among those serving in the military one has reached the rank of lieutenant general. They are at the forefront of change, but their numbers needs to be much higher.

Mentioning two names here is inevitable. Looking back, Benazir Bhutto has left living memories of valour that are inspiring. In the current times, Maryam Nawaz Sharif is becoming a prominent face in female leadership of the country.

Women of Pakistan have been working relentlessly to break stereotypes, voice their concerns and support others through their work and activism as journalists, lawyers, media personalities, legislators since 1947. The country needs to uphold illustrious examples of Fatimah Jinnah, Begum Ra’ana Liaqat Ali Khan, Begum Jahanara Shahnawaz, Shaista Ikramullah, Salma Tassaduk, late Begum Naseem Wali Khan, Asma Jhangir and Benazir Bhutto to understand the effective role that Pakistani women have played in shaping local narratives - even though these discourses are often ignored and resisted.

Women of Pakistan have been working relentlessly to break stereotypes, voice their concerns and support others through their work and activism. As journalists, lawyers, media personalities and legislators since 1947. 

Those who disparage strong female leaders on the basis of culture, religion or capacity are trying to obscure the truth. Unfortunately, as with any male-dominated society, many young, talented women are still denied fundamental rights. Limiting their freedoms is certainly not unheard of. Women in many parts of the country are struggling to pursue education, careers and to choose their life partners. Decision making in many households is still the men’s job. Girls who decide to take control of their lives and exercise agency, exhibit courage, resilience and stand up against odds are often labelled deviant.

Until as late as the dawn of the 21st Century, women’s entry into the workforce had been limited to jobs deemed fit for them. Choices were limited, and most households would only allow them to either go into medicine or teach. In the rural areas, they supported men in the fields, but had little control over economic gains.

In the last few decades, the situation has improved. The large number of women pursuing higher education has led to increased representation on campuses and in the workforce. However, there is still a long road ahead for the women of Pakistan as many women who get degrees have to cross several other barriers before they can get into the workforce. Many female doctors never practice their profession; their degrees are wasted. Many families continue to regard a university degree as a tool to secure a good match and not financial independence.

There is no doubt that the women of Pakistan are moving forward, paving their own paths in their professional careers and in the society, but this has not come from the benevolence of the society but because women have proved their capacity for leadership.

One of the criticisms women face is about affirmative action. The quotas are a necessity as men have held these positions and had these opportunities for long whereas women are only getting their chance now.

The writer is a member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly. She can be reached at salma_rehmat@yahoo.com