Her Story, Our Pride
By Tariq Khalique
Every nation is recognized not only for its history and natural resources but also for the achievements of its people. Pakistan is fortunate to have many talented women who have earned international respect through their hard work, determination and commitment to serving humanity. These women have broken barriers in education, healthcare, sports, filmmaking, technology, social work and public service. Their success has proved that Pakistani women have the ability to compete at the highest level and make valuable contributions to society. Their achievements have inspired millions of young people, especially girls, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
The contributions of these women go far beyond their personal success. They have helped improve education, strengthen healthcare, promote sports, encourage innovation, raise awareness of social issues and enhance Pakistan’s reputation around the world. Their work has supported the country’s economic and social development while demonstrating that providing equal opportunities for women leads to national progress.
Jehan Ara
Driving Pakistan’s digital economy
Jehan Ara is one of Pakistan’s best-known technology leaders and entrepreneurs. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen the country’s information technology sector and encourage innovation among young people.
Throughout her career, she has supported startups, organized technology conferences and connected entrepreneurs with investors. She has encouraged young Pakistanis to develop digital skills and create businesses that can compete in international markets.
Jehan Ara has also been a strong supporter of women in technology. She has mentored many young women and encouraged them to pursue careers in software development, entrepreneurship and digital innovation. Her leadership has helped increase women’s participation in Pakistan’s growing technology industry.
Muniba Mazari
Inspiring courage and inclusion
Muniba Mazari is known around the world as Pakistan’s ‘Iron Lady’. After a serious road accident left her paralyzed, many people believed that her dreams were over. However, she chose to face her challenges with courage and determination.
She became an internationally recognized motivational speaker, artist, television presenter and social activist. Her speeches encourage people to remain positive during difficult times and to believe in their own abilities. She has spoken at international conferences, universities and public events, inspiring audiences from around the world.
Muniba is also a talented artist whose paintings express hope, strength and resilience. Through her work, she promotes awareness of disability rights and equal opportunities. She has encouraged society to focus on people’s abilities rather than their physical limitations.
Her achievements have changed public attitudes towards people with disabilities in Pakistan. She has inspired employers, educational institutions and communities to become more inclusive. Muniba contributes to Pakistan’s growth by promoting equality and social inclusion. Her international recognition has also improved Pakistan’s image as a country that produces inspirational leaders.
Sheema Kermani
Bringing change through art and activism
A celebrated classical dancer, choreographer, teacher, theatre practitioner and women’s rights activist, Sheema Kermani is one of Pakistan’s leading artists of international acclaim. She has worked tirelessly to promote classical dance not only in Pakistan but also internationally. Over the years, she has performed in the UK, the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, China, Bahrain, the UAE, Iraq, Morocco, Vietnam, India, Egypt, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In 1995, she performed on the opening night of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, a performance she regards as one of the finest of her career. A foremost exponent of Bharatanatyam in Pakistan, she has dedicated her life to blending the arts with activism, particularly in championing women’s rights and cultural expression.
Sheema founded Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural action group, in 1981. For more than four decades, Tehrik-e-Niswan has been raising awareness among low-income communities and marginalized groups through mobile theatre, street plays and dance dramas. As one of the founders of the Aurat March, Sheema firmly believes in women’s empowerment. Her journey is one of constant struggle, resilience and determination. She is a true inspiration to young girls who aspire to pursue careers in theatre and dance.
Malala Yousafzai
A global voice for education
Malala Yousafzai is one of the most recognized Pakistanis in the world. Born in Mingora, Swat, she developed a passion for education at an early age. When girls were prevented from attending school by extremists, Malala bravely spoke out in favor of every child’s right to education. Although she survived a life-threatening attack in 2012, she refused to give up her mission.
In 2014, Malala became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This historic achievement made her a global symbol of courage and hope. She later established the Malala Fund, which works to improve access to education for girls in many countries, including Pakistan. Through scholarships, advocacy and support for local organizations, the fund has helped thousands of girls continue their education.
Malala has addressed the United Nations, met with world leaders and spoken at international conferences about education, equality and human rights. Her books and speeches have inspired millions of people around the world.
Sana Mir
Inspiring excellence through sport
Sana Mir is one of Pakistan’s greatest female cricketers and among the country’s most respected sporting personalities. She captained the Pakistan women’s cricket team for several years and became one of the leading bowlers in international women’s cricket.
During her career, Sana represented Pakistan in World Cup contests and other major international tournaments. Her leadership, discipline and sportsmanship earned her admiration from cricket fans around the world. She became a role model for young girls.
Beyond cricket, Sana actively promotes women’s participation in sports, physical fitness, mental well-being and equal opportunities. She regularly speaks at educational institutions and public events, encouraging young people to develop confidence, leadership skills and teamwork.
Dr Sania Nishtar
Improving healthcare and social welfare
Dr Sania Nishtar is an internationally respected physician, public health expert and policymaker. She has dedicated her career to improving Pakistan’s healthcare system and ensuring that medical services reach people from all sections of society.
She founded Heartfile, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare support to poor patients. The organization introduced innovative methods to help people receive medical treatment and financial assistance. Her work has benefited thousands of families who would otherwise struggle to afford healthcare.
Dr Sania Nishtar has also played a leading role in developing Pakistan’s social protection programs. She has worked to improve systems that provide financial assistance to low-income families, helping to reduce poverty and improve living standards.
Internationally, she has represented Pakistan in several global health organizations and has contributed to discussions on public health and development. Her expertise is respected by healthcare professionals around the world. Through her work, she has strengthened Pakistan’s healthcare system while enhancing the country’s international reputation.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Promoting social change through film
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy is one of Pakistan’s most successful filmmakers. She is internationally recognized for producing documentaries that highlight important social issues, including women’s rights, education and human dignity. Her work has received worldwide acclaim, and she has won two Academy Awards (Oscars).
Through her documentaries, Sharmeen has encouraged people to discuss issues that were often ignored. Her films have been shown at international film festivals, universities and television channels, introducing global audiences to the realities of Pakistani society. She believes that storytelling can educate people and inspire positive social change.
Besides filmmaking, she has established programs to train young filmmakers and nurture creative talent, supporting emerging voices who use film and digital media to tell meaningful stories.
Samina Baig
Reaching the highest peaks
Samina Baig is Pakistan’s leading female mountaineer and an inspiration for adventure lovers around the world. She became the first Pakistani woman to climb Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth.
Born in Gilgit-Baltistan, Samina developed a love for mountains from an early age. Despite limited opportunities for women in adventure sports, she remained determined to achieve her goals. She later climbed several of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each continent, earning international recognition.
Samina regularly speaks at conferences and educational institutions, encouraging young people to believe in themselves and never give up. She also promotes environmental conservation and raises awareness about protecting Pakistan’s beautiful mountainous regions.
( The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com . - You, The News)
