Maryam Nawaz’s tenure as Punjab’s inaugural female Chief Minister has ignited both admiration and controversy, a reflection of the deeply entrenched societal biases that women in leadership continue to confront. Recent backlash from PTI leaders and supporters over her diplomatic handshake with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed during his visit to Pakistan exemplifies the multifaceted challenges faced by women who dare to lead. This routine diplomatic gesture, a standard protocol in international relations, has been weaponised to undermine her credibility. Yet, it raises a more profound question: why are women leaders so often subjected to scrutiny that transcends their professional roles and delves into the realm of personal attacks?
In Pakistan, a country where patriarchal norms have long dictated societal structures, the sight of a woman occupying a position of power often becomes a lightning rod for criticism. The uproar surrounding Maryam Nawaz’s handshake underscores an enduring discomfort with women’s presence in spaces historically dominated by men. This incident is not an isolated critique of her actions but a reflection of systemic misogyny that seeks to delegitimise female leadership by fixating on inconsequential matters.
The irony of this criticism lies in its stark contrast to Maryam Nawaz’s achievements as Chief Minister. Under her leadership, Punjab has witnessed transformative initiatives aimed at fostering technological innovation, economic growth, and social equality. The Nawaz Sharif IT City, a cornerstone project, aspires to position Punjab as a technological hub, driving employment opportunities and innovation. However, such forward-thinking initiatives are overshadowed by the narrow focus on a diplomatic handshake, revealing the misplaced priorities of her detractors.
This pattern of scrutiny extends beyond political rivalry, hinting at a broader cultural reluctance to embrace women in positions of authority. The vitriol directed at Maryam Nawaz by PTI circles is emblematic of a societal bias that remains deeply ingrained, even as Pakistan progresses. By fixating on perceived breaches of cultural norms rather than substantive policy achievements, critics perpetuate a narrative that women in leadership must continually prove their worth, often under harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks linking women’s clothing to men’s behaviour, where he stated that “if a woman is wearing very few clothes, it will have an impact on the men, unless they are robots,” highlight the deeply ingrained misogyny pervasive in Pakistani politics. Such comments, made during an interview, drew widespread criticism for perpetuating rape culture and victim-blaming, while also demeaning men by implying that their actions are uncontrollable. This rhetoric, alongside his sexist remarks targeting Maryam Nawaz during political rallies, underscores a troubling pattern of using gendered commentary to distract from substantive discourse. These statements not only diminish the progress of women in leadership but also reflect the broader societal challenges of confronting patriarchal attitudes in public and political spheres.
Maryam Nawaz’s leadership has been marked by her commitment to initiatives that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly women. The “Never Again” women’s safety app, for instance, empowers women to combat violence and ensure their safety, addressing a critical societal need. The establishment of workplace day care centres furthers gender equality by enabling working mothers to participate more fully in the workforce. These initiatives reflect her understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by women and her determination to address them head-on.
Despite these achievements, the backlash she faces underscores a troubling reality: the metrics for evaluating women’s leadership often differ starkly from those applied to men. Where male leaders are assessed on their policy initiatives and governance, women leaders are frequently judged on their comportment, appearance, or adherence to traditional gender roles. Maryam Nawaz’s diplomatic engagement with Mohamed bin Zayed—an act of statecraft—has been mischaracterised, serving as a pretext for undermining her legitimacy.
This criticism is part of a larger pattern of resistance to women’s empowerment in Pakistan. Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives, such as the Education City in Lahore, which aims to attract top global universities, and the Free Medicine Delivery Project, which ensures access to essential medications for those in need, exemplify her vision for a progressive Punjab. Yet, these accomplishments are often overlooked in favour of sensationalized controversies, reflecting a societal discomfort with women wielding power and influence.
The vitriol directed at Maryam Nawaz is not merely a political tactic but a reflection of a deeper societal malaise. It reveals a collective unease with the dismantling of traditional power structures that have long excluded women. By focusing on trivial matters such as a handshake, critics divert attention from her substantial contributions to Punjab’s development, perpetuating a narrative that diminishes women’s achievements.
This bias is further evidenced by the response to her initiatives aimed at empowering women. The CM Pink Games, celebrating female athleticism, are a testament to her commitment to breaking down barriers for women in sports. Yet, rather than acknowledging these efforts, detractors choose to amplify inconsequential gestures, undermining the progress being made under her leadership. This selective focus underscores the systemic nature of the bias against women leaders.
The misogynistic undertones of the criticism levelled against Maryam Nawaz are emblematic of a broader cultural challenge. They highlight the double standards that women in leadership must navigate, where their every action is scrutinised through a lens of cultural expectations that often have little to do with their professional capabilities. This scrutiny serves to reinforce patriarchal norms, deterring women from aspiring to leadership roles and perpetuating a cycle of exclusion.
Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, however, offers a counter-narrative to this bias. Her initiatives reflect a vision for a Punjab that is inclusive, progressive, and forward-thinking. The “Never Again” app and the establishment of day care centres are not merely policy initiatives but symbols of a broader commitment to gender equality. By addressing systemic barriers faced by women, she is challenging the status quo and redefining what leadership can look like in Pakistan.
The backlash she faces also raises important questions about the role of political discourse in shaping societal attitudes toward women. The criticisms levelled at her, often laced with misogynistic undertones, reveal a political strategy that seeks to undermine her leadership by attacking her on the basis of gender. This strategy not only discredits her but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that impact all women in Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz’s diplomatic engagement with the UAE President should be viewed within the broader context of international relations and statecraft. The handshake, a routine diplomatic gesture, has been misconstrued as a breach of cultural norms, reflecting a bias that prioritises traditional expectations over professional achievements. This criticism, rooted in misogyny, serves to distract from her tangible contributions to Punjab’s development.
The focus on such trivial matters detracts from the substantive progress being made under her leadership. Projects like the Nawaz Sharif IT City and the Education City in Lahore are transformative initiatives that have the potential to position Punjab as a leader in technology and education. Yet, these accomplishments are often overshadowed by a discourse that prioritises cultural policing over constructive dialogue.
Maryam Nawaz’s tenure as Chief Minister is a testament to her resilience in the face of systemic bias. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to addressing the needs of the populace, from ensuring access to healthcare through the Free Medicine Delivery Project to promoting women’s empowerment through initiatives like the CM Pink Games. These efforts reflect a vision for a Punjab that is equitable and inclusive, challenging the traditional power structures that have long excluded women.
The criticism she faces, however, underscores the challenges of navigating a political landscape that remains deeply patriarchal. By focusing on inconsequential matters such as a handshake, her detractors reveal a reluctance to engage with the substantive issues she addresses. This bias not only undermines her leadership but also perpetuates a narrative that diminishes the contributions of women in leadership roles.
Maryam Nawaz’s leadership offers a powerful counter-narrative to this bias. Her initiatives reflect a vision for a Punjab that is progressive, inclusive, and forward-thinking. By addressing systemic barriers faced by women and promoting initiatives that empower the populace, she is challenging the status quo and redefining what leadership can look like in Pakistan.
