As the 2020 edition of the International Women’s Day passes, it leaves behind a legacy of appreciating and understanding the role of women in many facets of our society and all the achievements they have accomplished in their lives. And, at the forefront of it all, have remained the women of politics who have proven what being a powerful figure in a patriarchal society looks like as they shatter the glass ceiling.
Breaking the norms of the political sphere, Pakistani women have been game-changers of society, and to this date, names like Benazir Bhutto and Fatima Jinnah are remembered for their prowess!
But, who are the current women of power who are changing the political fabric? Diva has the lowdown…
Shahnaz Wazir Ali
A human rights and women empowerment activist, Shahnaz Wazir Ali has been one of the most important names in the political sphere when it comes to social development. She has served as a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan in the past, along with holding several major positions such as being a Minister of State and has been a strong front in the face of tyranny.
Maryam Nawaz
Becoming the face of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) during her father, Nawaz Sharif’s incarceration and trial, Maryam Nawaz has proven to be a strong people-mover for her party. She has received major support from her followers and has given the PML-N a dynamic new leader to follow.
Shireen Mazari
One of the most renowned and influential names of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Shireen Mazari has given quite a lot to Pakistan to be proud of, including being of the most educated politicians in the nation. She currently serves as the Federal Minister of Human Rights and continues to make the country proud.
Sherry Rehman
A Pakistan’s People’s Party stalwart, Sherry Rehman has been a staunch supporter of the previous governments helmed by the slain Benazir Bhutto and has since been an important name in the Pakistani political sphere. She has served as the first female Leader of the Opposition of the National Assembly of Pakistan and has been an ambassador to the United States, as well as being a minister in the past.
Hina Rabbani Khar
A dynamic and powerful figure of the PPP who became visible on the social front with her appointment as the youngest Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Hina Rabbani Khar has been a sensation in every sense. She rose to prominence thanks to her unique style and her powerful persona, which made her an important name for Pakistan’s People’s Party.
Dr. Azra Pechuho
A name that became prominent during the recent outbreak of Coronavirus and the preceding HIV outbreak in Sindh, Dr. Azra Pechuho serves as a Provincial Minister of Sindh for Health with the additional ministerial portfolio of Population Welfare. She has made several feats in ensuring better healthcare in the province and has become a renowned name for the PPP in Sindh.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid
One of the dynamic names of female politicians in Punjab, Dr. Yasmin Rashid became a household name after her contesting the elections on PTI’s behalf during the By-Poll Elections, where she stood staunchly against former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. Although she lost the seat, her comeback during the PTI government as the Provincial Minister of Punjab for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, and Medical Education, has made her an important figure.
Zartaj Gul
A budding stalwart of the PTI government, Zartaj Gul has become a renowned name for the political party for challenging patriarchy. She currently serves as the Minister of State for Climate Change and has singlehandedly upended the reign of the Leghari’s in Southern Punjab, by winning a seat from the heavily-contested city, Dera Ghazi Khan.
Sharmila Faruqui
One of the most renowned names for Pakistan’s People’s Party, especially in Sindh, Sharmila Faruqui has served as an advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh in the past and is known for her fiery persona in the provincial assembly, where she has been a staunch figure for her party and for women empowerment in Sindh.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza
Breaking many bounds through her political career, Dr. Fahmida Mirza created history when she became Pakistan’s first and only woman, Speaker of the National Assembly, from 2008 to 2013. She currently serves as a Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination and continues to be an important figure in the political sphere of Pakistan.
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Masha Allah
Zartaj Gull is the best minister of climate change 👍
GOOD EFFORT!!!!!!! THIS WAS SO HELPFUL