In the early 90's, women were
only viewed as mothers and housewives. They were considered as an under-utilized
resource for development. But now, women in Pakistan have progressed in various
fields of life such as politics, education, economy, health and many more.
In the past, Fatima Jinnah, sister of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was an
instrumental figure in the Pakistan Movement. She worked with him passionately
for the freedom of Muslims. Then, Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime
Minister of Pakistan and the first women elected to head a Muslim country. She
played an important role for the progress of country.
Women historically have been under-represented in scientific and technical
fields. There are multiple reasons for this. They have been given limited
educational opportunities, have been restricted by law from many activities and
have been excluded from professional societies and publications. Today, we are
seeing more participation by women in the technical fields like Arfa Karim, who
was the youngest certified Microsoft Professional of Pakistan, Shirmeen Obaid
Chinoy represents Pakistan all over the world through her documentary "Saving
Faces". She has been lauded as Pakistan's first Oscar winner. Women can now be
seen participating in all kinds of sports from cricket to athletics and even
marathon like Naseem Hameed, a Pakistani athlete who became the fastest women in
South Asia when she won a gold medal in the 100-meter event of the 11th South
Asian Federation Games. Women in Pakistan hold high ranking positions as the
CEOs and executives. Recently, the President has appointed Dr Shamshed Akhter as
the first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Two lady doctors of the
Pakistan Army have also risen to the rank of major generals. The female doctors
joined hands with the male doctors in the times of need i.e earthquakes, floods
etc.
No doubt, our nation has so many hardworking ladies who are not only running
their houses but also our country's economy. Pakistani women will change current
terrible situation of our country through their efficiency and hardwork. No
wonder, women plays an important role for the progress of country.