Written By: Dilara Khan
We live in a world where gender norms have long dictated societal expectations and roles. However, small pockets of courage and resilience are all that are needed to challenge the status quo. It is high time that we rewrite the narrative of what it means to be a man, woman, or non-binary and delve into the journey of breaking gender stereotypes in Pakistan!
Pakistan has witnessed a wave of an incredibly inspiring group of individuals, who have fearlessly challenged and crushed gender stereotypes. These trendsetters have not only helped reshape the reputation of the country but also rewritten the rules and made a long-lasting impact on society.
Here are some Pakistanis who have embarked on a transformative journey to challenge gender norms and achieve a more equitable society:
Chand Bibi, Mehrunnisa, Shabana K. Fayyaz, and Shakila Bano – Petrol Pump Attendants
In a nation where gender stereotypes linger like anything, these women work tirelessly to break the mold. They have taken on the role of fuel attendants at the Total Parco Petrol Station near Teen Talwar and perform their duties alongside their male counterparts.
Their presence at the site, however, is no coincidence. The company made a conscious effort to embrace gender diversity and promote inclusivity. As the first four women hired and trained at a petrol station, Chand Bibi, Mehrunnisa, Shabana K. Fayyaz, and Shakila Bano have set a precedent for more people to follow suit.
Mehboob Khan – Chef
Mehboob Khan, commonly known as Chef Mehboob, has spiced things up in Pakistan’s culinary scene. He has hosted several cooking shows on Pakistani television, breaking the stereotype that only women belong in the kitchen. Chef Mehboob encourages men to get their aprons on and pursue their passion for cooking since it can be a source of joy and fulfillment for everyone alike!
Namira Salim – Future Astronaut, Polar Adventurer & Artist
Namira Salim made a name for herself by becoming the first Pakistani woman to venture into space. She took a giant leap for womankind by proving that they deserve to and can reach for the stars – quite literally. Namira also set her sights on the Earth poles and became the first Pakistani to reach both the South and North Poles. If that’s not impressive enough, she climbed mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro and conquered Mount Everest. Namira is certainly a force to be reckoned with!
Ahmed Saya – Teacher
Ahmed Saya is a Pakistani teacher who has earned popularity among his students like no other. While Ahmed has been teaching Mathematics and Accounts for nearly two decades, his impact goes beyond academics. He is exceptional in his ways and makes sure to go the extra mile by guiding his students through personal matters.
Ahmed was not only nominated for Cambridge’s World’s Most Dedicated Teacher Award, but he also emerged as a winner. His remarkable achievements have gained global recognition, which shows that gender should never limit victory and excellence in any field or industry!
Tahira Safdar – Jurist
Tahira Safdar, the boss lady in a courtroom, took the legal world by storm by becoming the first female Chief Justice of the Baluchistan High Court. This is an established fact that the judicial system of the nation is mostly and unfortunately, dominated by men. Tahira proved that women have what it takes to make critical decisions and take the lead in the legal arena. With a gavel in hand, she challenged the notion that certain roles are off-limits based on gender.
Adnan Ansari – Makeup Artist
Adnan Ansari is a renowned makeup artist who has played a significant role in redefining gender norms within the beauty industry. Adnan’s accomplishments as a makeup professional have garnered acclaim and recognition from prominent publications such as Good Times and Style Magazine. With his exceptional skill and talent, Adnan continues to showcase that makeup artistry is certainly not limited by gender.
Samina Baig – High-Altitude Mountaineer
Samina Baig is a mountaineering marvel. She conquered the mighty Everest and Seven Summits and proved that mountaineering isn’t just a man’s domain, leaving a trail of women empowerment for others to follow.
The Pakistani government awarded Samina the prestigious Pride of Performance, a well-deserved recognition of her relentless pursuit of breaking gender stereotypes and her fearless spirit. Samina’s mountain-climbing conquests are only the tip of the iceberg, though. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) appointed her as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan, further solidifying her role as an advocate for positive change.
Sana Mir – Cricketer
Cricket is traditionally a sport dominated by men. Sana Mir’s success and achievement in cricket challenged the norm that women cannot excel in sports. From 2009 to 2017, Sana captained the Pakistan women’s cricket team, challenging another gender stereotype that women are not fit to lead.
The team successfully crossed significant milestones under her captaincy, such as winning a gold medal in 2010 at the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, China. This helped improve the visibility and importance of women’s participation in sports. Sana has left a remarkable legacy and inspires many cricketers, men and women both, to date.
Rich in history and culture, Pakistan, a vibrant nation, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, where people are actively trying to break free from the constraints of gender biases. The struggle is real and an ongoing one. Deep-rooted cultural norms and beliefs continue to pose challenges and hinder the progress toward complete gender equality.
In conclusion, promoting gender equality in Pakistan is no easy feat. However, the abovementioned and many more individuals are constantly fighting the battle against gender stereotyping and coming out strong with their skills and determination.
Pakistanis have the power to shape the country’s narrative and help every individual unlock their true potential by promoting healthcare, education, and economic opportunities that foster gender equality. It’s about time that the citizens work toward breaking free from the shackles of gender stereotypes in Pakistan and building a society where every person, regardless of their gender, can prosper and flourish!
