TLDR:
Women face persistent double standards globally.
Polio campaign fights misinformation and threats.
Leadership defined by service, resilience, purpose.
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, Pakistan’s First Lady and parliamentarian, delivered an insightful address at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai, shining a light on the complex realities faced by women leaders, her enduring advocacy for public health, and the uphill battle for equality and recognition in deeply entrenched patriarchal systems.
There are two great powers in this world, the sword and the pen. But there's a third power greater than both —our women. My message to young women: believe in yourself, remain steadfast in your values, never underestimate the power of your voice, says Aseefa Bhutto Zardari pic.twitter.com/SMCidNdfJ4
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) November 28, 2024
The unique challenges of dual roles
Balancing the dual responsibilities of being Pakistan’s First Lady and an elected member of the National Assembly, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari operates in two distinct arenas. On one side, her ceremonial role often necessitates diplomacy and a more subdued public image. On the other, her parliamentary position provides a platform to champion legislative reform, public advocacy, and the empowerment of marginalised groups. This duality reflects a broader narrative about the expectations placed on women in leadership, especially those in traditionally conservative societies.
Aseefa’s commentary during the forum underscored these challenges, highlighting the pervasive scrutiny faced by women leaders. Despite being at the forefront of critical national issues, she noted how women are often reduced to reductive, gendered expectations. The persistence of such stereotypes, she argued, not only undermines their contributions but also perpetuates systemic inequities.
Her insights are not unique to Pakistan but reflect a universal struggle for recognition, particularly in spaces historically dominated by men.
Navigating societal expectations
Aseefa spoke candidly about the double standards women face in professional and personal spheres. Women leaders are often expected to embody an impossible duality—displaying strength and capability while also conforming to traditional roles. This dichotomy forces women to prove their worth repeatedly in ways that men rarely have to.
The cultural expectations in Pakistan are particularly stark. In her address, Aseefa pointed to the ingrained biases that still expect women, regardless of their professional accomplishments, to prioritise traditional domestic roles. While male leaders are celebrated for their achievements, women are still questioned on their ability to balance careers and family responsibilities.
These challenges, however, have not deterred Aseefa. Instead, she has embraced her position as an opportunity to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and inspire a new generation of women leaders.
Leadership rooted in legacy
The legacy of her mother, Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, is a cornerstone of Aseefa’s approach to leadership. Benazir’s tenure was marked by immense personal and political challenges, yet she navigated these with resilience and a deep commitment to public service.
For Aseefa, this legacy is both a source of inspiration and a benchmark. Her mother’s ability to lead with dignity despite political adversity serves as a guiding principle in her own journey. At the forum, she reiterated that true leadership is not about privilege or position but about purpose, persistence, and a commitment to justice.
Aseefa’s advocacy extends beyond symbolic gestures. She emphasised the importance of education and empathy as tools to foster inclusivity and equity. Leadership, in her view, is intrinsically linked to the ability to uplift others and address systemic barriers.
Tackling vaccine misinformation and public health threats
Public health advocacy has been a defining feature of Aseefa’s career. Continuing her family’s decades-long commitment to eradicating polio in Pakistan, she remains at the forefront of campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
The challenges in this fight are multifaceted. On one hand, there is widespread mistrust fueled by misinformation campaigns, including baseless claims by some clerics about the vaccine’s safety. On the other, healthcare workers face life-threatening risks in the line of duty, with targeted attacks being a grim reality.
Aseefa spoke about the emotional and social toll of these barriers, recalling how health workers have been killed for simply trying to ensure that children are vaccinated. These incidents underscore the fragility of public health efforts in regions where myths and fear often overshadow facts.
Her leadership in this area is not just about continuing her family’s legacy but also about addressing a critical public health crisis that affects millions. By tackling vaccine misinformation head-on and advocating for systemic reforms, Aseefa represents a model of leadership that is both compassionate and resolute.
Women as a transformative force
Throughout her address, Aseefa emphasised the potential of women as a transformative force in society. She called for a paradigm shift that recognises women not as secondary participants but as equal stakeholders in shaping national and global futures.
Drawing from Pakistan’s founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision, Aseefa highlighted the critical role of women in nation-building. Her message was clear: empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for sustainable development and progress.
Her words resonate deeply in a global context where women’s contributions are still undervalued, and their rights are often under siege. By advocating for systemic change and inspiring women to pursue leadership roles, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari is carving a path for a more inclusive future.
