Women of Pakistan

Senator Kerry was one of the US observers of the Pakistani elections that were held in February of this year. Americans, as well as people from all over the world, were shocked and saddened by the murder of Benazir Bhutto last December. Mrs. Bhutto had been a voice of hope and a strong advocate for democracy for Pakistan. Senator Kerry issued this statement about the elections in February while on that Foreign Relations Committee trip, "First and foremost, this election is a tribute to the Pakistani people, who were not deterred by the threat of violence or the tragic assassination of one of their most revered political figures, and who went to the polls and made a powerful statement about their commitment to democracy."

Mrs. Bhutto was an inspiration to a lot of people around the world. She was a leader and a symbol of the possibilities open to women in Pakistan. Myra Chaudhary once again offers some perspectives on Pakistan and what Mrs. Bhutto and her message meant to so many Pakistanis the world over. Again, Myra is not writing as a foreign policy expert but as an American with roots in Pakistan. These blog posts are a wonderful way to share some insights into a country that is critical to the future of the Near East and critical to America's foreign policy plans in a troubled region of the world.

Women of Pakistan My thoughts go back to that beautiful New England autumn day when I met Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. There she was a beautiful and graceful woman who had been in such a powerful position-- leading a country of 160 million. Loved and supported by millions, the first ever woman prime minister of a Muslim country and also the youngest prime minister to be elected twice. She was a woman who had gone through struggles and hardships beyond imagination. There was an air of elegance to her. You could feel her wisdom. Every gesture of hers was a testament to her strength and determination. But what touched me most was her simple human side. The way she talked about her children and expressed how difficult it was to be away from them. How she spoke with such compassion and warmth. I fondly remember how she looked at the blue sky and the red-orange leaves and said "this is my version of heaven on earth". Little did I understand what she had meant then: that the simple little joys of life are often its biggest pleasures.

Four years later, on an ordinary day in December while on school vacation, things changed. I woke up, and then I heard the devastating news of her assassination. How could anybody be so cruel as to take the life of this woman, a mother of three beautiful children? How could they deprive a nation of a much needed leader? Why did they do that?

Benazir was a symbol of hope, courage, and determination. She was very progressive and she never gave up her struggle for democracy. She was loved by millions but she was also feared by many because of that same strength and determination. She was a threat to them. And that is why they wanted to stop her. They knew they could not, so they took her life. What a terrible tragedy. She is gone but her legacy to never ever lose hope will live on.

Such are the stories of the ongoing struggles of the people of Pakistan and the women who have never stayed behind. This goes back to even before Pakistan was created. Fatima Jinnah the sister of the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinah, stood by the side of her brother all the way to the creation of Pakistan. Then, it was in 1965, when Fatimah Jinnah, ran for president. One million people came to support her on her 293 mile campaign train route called the "Freedom Special". People were so energized by her words that they kept on pulling the emergency breaks at each station, begging her to speak and delaying her train by 22 hours. It is so inspiring that even so long ago one woman was able to captivate such large audiences. She tirelessly fought against a dictator. People were very fond of her and began to call her Mother of the Nation (Madar E Millat), embodying hope, equality, justice, and unity.

Women in Pakistan have continued to play a very important role. They are actively involved in the government, politics, and society at all levels. They are doctors, business women, engineers, lawyers, diplomats, ambassadors, artists, teachers, writers, poets, singers, workers, farmers, mothers, wives, students, and the list goes on and on. The current speaker of the national assembly is also a woman. Women in fact are a strong part of the fabric of society in Pakistan just like they are in America.

We need to remember, though, that a vast majority of the population in Pakistan lives in rural areas many of which are lacking even basic facilities and amenities. This is especially true in the remote areas. In our struggle for peace in this very important part of the world, let us not ignore the importance of woman. Women are central to a family and it all begins there. We cannot afford to leave these women behind. The world needs to help empower them with possibilities and keep hope alive.

source: www.johnkerry.com