Another year. Another Women’s day. Once again, it is time when women are offered lip service without any real changes, tempted to over-indulge in hyper-consumerism with special discounts and offers, invited to participate in events and photo sessions sans any genuine concern to resolve the real issues. It is also a day to remember and celebrate the multifaceted role of women in Pakistan Movement. Whether it was the lack of documentation, varied historical narratives or more focus on male leadership, these women are not as well-known as they deserve to be.
The Pakistan Movement was not just a political struggle led by men; it was also deeply influenced by the remarkable contributions of women. Despite the limitations of their time, women played a crucial role in mobilising support, organising protests, and even financing the movement.
In 1942, the All India Muslim League held its first-ever women’s session in Delhi. Women like Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan and Fatima Jinnah addressed thousands, calling upon Muslim women to step forward and actively engage in the struggle for Pakistan. This was a revolutionary step, as political activism among women was largely unheard of in the conservative social climate of the time.
Women played a clandestine role in spreading the Muslim League’s message. Since many women observed purdah (seclusion), they hosted private political meetings inside homes, influencing their families and ensuring male members joined the movement. These gatherings, largely unrecorded, were a powerful means of grassroots mobilisation.
At a time when public demonstrations were met with violent crackdowns, womenfolk fearlessly led separate protest marches against British oppression. Amjadi Bano Begum and Bi Amma (mother of Ali brothers) were at the forefront, organising demonstrations and distributing pamphlets to raise awareness about the Pakistan cause.
Moreover, women donated their gold jewelry, personal savings, and household earnings to the Muslim League’s cause. Figures like Begum Shahnawaz encouraged mothers, sisters and daughters to make financial sacrifices to sustain the movement, ensuring that rallies and events could be held without financial constraints. Besides being an outspoken public figure, Fatima Jinnah played an essential role behind the scenes. She engaged in secret correspondence with Muslim League leaders, advising on political strategies and coordinating efforts to strengthen the movement.
The Pakistan movement faced a two-pronged attack, not only from the British but also from the Congress, which spread negative propaganda. However, women actively countered this dual anti-Pakistan narrative with wisdom and strategic thinking. They used oral storytelling, poetry, and local gatherings to explain the necessity of Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where print media was inaccessible. While newspapers like Dawn played a significant role, women also contributed by running underground newsletters and pamphlets to spread awareness about the Pakistan Movement. Lady Abdullah Haroon was one such woman who used her resources to publish pro-Pakistan literature.
It is also worth noting that in 1946, thousands of women across India took formal oaths of allegiance to Pakistan, pledging their dedication to its creation. This was an unprecedented movement of organised female commitment in South Asian history.
In addition, women from elite families, especially those from Aligarh and Lahore, secretly provided medical aid to jailed activists who had been imprisoned for their pro-Pakistan stance. Some even risked arrest by smuggling messages and food to incarcerated leaders.
Young women, especially from Aligarh Muslim University and Lahore’s educational institutions, played a crucial role in organising debates, writing articles, and leading rallies advocating for Pakistan. Despite opposition, they continued to voice their support for the cause.
Though often overlooked in historical narratives, some courtesans (tawaifs) and prostitutes played a role in supporting the Pakistan Movement. Many courtesans, who were financially well-off due to their elite clientele, donated money and jewelry to fund the Muslim League’s activities. They often entertained high-profile political figures, giving them access to sensitive information. Some used their influence to pass intelligence to pro-Pakistan activists. Certain courtesans provided safe houses for Muslim League workers fleeing British authorities, allowing secret meetings and strategic planning to take place in their establishments. Many were skilled in poetry and music and used their art to express nationalist sentiments, subtly influencing public opinion in favour of Pakistan.
Historically, Pakistani politics was dominated by inheritance-based leadership, where women from middle and working-class backgrounds found it difficult to participate due to a lack of strong political family backgrounds. They also lacked support from their non-political families, and even women’s rights organisations offered little to no encouragement.
Moreover, there was no structured system in place to train women for leadership roles in politics.
However, with the advent of modern technology and social media – where even a toddler has access to a smartphone – there has been a major shift in women’s participation in politics.
Women are not only actively joining political movements, but they are also making significant sacrifices for their cause.
The female leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will go down in history as women who paid a heavy price for their courage, loyalty, and steadfastness. These women were targeted both online and offline, harassed at their homes, arrested on politically motivated charges, and are currently serving jail time for their political activism.
Despite this, organisations that champion women’s rights offered little to no support for the prolonged detention of PTI women. This glaring lack of genuine concern for the political victimisation of PTI women has made their mission to empower women appear unconvincing to the general female population of Pakistan. Notwithstanding, the women’s organisations and movements’ continuous struggle for the women of Pakistan even if one doesn’t agree with their means to the end. They have been accustomed to backlash from the right wing for relevant slogans such as ‘Mera Jism Meri Marzi’ in the contemporary era.
The struggle of women in Pakistani politics continues, but the rise of independent female political voices marks a new era of empowerment. Women are no longer merely supporters but leaders and front-line warriors, shaping the future of Pakistan’s political landscape.
The contributions of women to the Pakistan Movement remain an underexplored area of history. Whether through mobilisation, financial support, resistance, or intellectual contributions, these women proved to be an essential force in the creation of Pakistan. Their courage, resilience, and sacrifices deserve greater recognition in historical narratives.
Similarly, the current struggles of women in Pakistani politics reflect both progress and persistent challenges. The courage shown by female leaders today continues the legacy of their foremothers, proving that the fight for representation and justice is far from over.
To truly conclude this piece, I would like to share a few moving verses from a Nazm (Poem) titled ‘Muslim Aurat Say Khitab’ (‘To a Muslim Woman’). It was penned by Noor-us-Sabah Begum, author, poet and activist dedicated to the Pakistan Movement. These lines are a powerful reminder, urging women to wake up, take action. It is also a reminder of the importance of the role of women in freedom movement and the ongoing struggle for social justice in Pakistan.
The nation’s darkness and misfortunes, And the ecstasy of love’s madness.
The endless hardships of servitude, And on top of that, these torn collars.
Even after hearing the tale of suffering and pain, Why do you remain silent, lost in a daze?
The time has come—become the sword,
Be the chain that binds the oppressor’s feet. Be the image of strength for your people, Be the cry of defiance against tyranny.
Lift the veil of heedlessness from your head, Open your eyes and dispel the darkness.
(Noor-us-Sabah Begum)
The writer is a filmmaker based in the UK.
