After a four-decade-long struggle for women’s rights, Dr Fouzia Saeed received her due recognition on Friday when she was awarded the “Battle of Crete Award” by the Washington Oxi Day Foundation for her commendable work in the field.
The first recipient of the annual Oxi Day Battle of Crete Award, which honours a woman for courageous action for freedom and democracy, in memory of the role women played against the Axis Forces in the Battle of Crete in World War II, was given to Burmese pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
In an award ceremony held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Vervee lauded Saeed’s struggle for women rights, saying she had set an example of courage and commitment to women’s advancement.
“Not only for her work against sexual harassment, but her years of work against violence against women especially the work on several legislations is exemplary,” said Vervee.
The social activist while addressing the audience acknowledged the support she had received from her country and said, “While the United Nations has made some efforts to change its work environment, I am proud of my country for recognising this scourge. I am proud of my parliament for making two laws to make sexual harassment a crime and I am proud of my federal and provincial Governments for implementing it.”
Saeed also thanked Pakistan’s ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman and other parliamentarians for playing a vital role in passing the law against sexual harassment in Pakistan.
“Modern day Davids do not necessarily have to use confrontational methods but can take risks and show courage through intelligent strategies and forge partnerships for change. Our fight is not against an army or a government but is against the centuries old patriarchal system and we need to build solidarity to get women recognised as full citizens in democratic systems,” said Saeed.
Dr Fouzia is known for her work for women rights in Pakistan and the United Nations (UN). Her courage to stand in the UN against sexual harassment earned her international recognition.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2012.
COMMENTS (37)
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S Israr Ali; you seem ignorant. I think you're a bit disillusioned. You must do your research before you comment.
@Maliha Ahmad: I consider all this work Maliha, by some group of disgruntled, disillusioned and deprived women, have either unsuccessful lives back in their homes, tortuous behaviour from their own men and suffering from own problems or greediness peculiar to this group only and out to create polarization, destroy peace of others happy homes in vengeance and to bring bad name to their country and society where women are passing happy lives with due honour and recognition in their homes, workplaces, vocations or to whatever spheres of life etc they belong with their fellow men in whatever relationship they are with them. In Pakistan apart from religion, the laws of Pakistan are already there to provide women every protection, to freely enjoy happy pursuits of life, provide every opportunity to excel and to ensure realisation of every right and do not discriminate on the basis of gender. Even otherwise women in Pakistan enjoy right of vote from very beginning similar to their fellow men have and are equals. Pakistani women are proud of their values, culture, systems, fellow men and country, an integral vibrant part of society and love it.
God guide us all and give wisdom. God bless Pakistan and its nation.
Please try and find out something about the person you are writing about and judging. You might find these sites helpful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fouzia_Saeed
http://www.fouziasaeed.com/
@Maliha Ahmad: I am convinced that now when you have opened your mouth and wrote Maliha, that you either is ignorant woman or of perverted mind to falsely misleading the people when your friend in Washington is telling with stupidity there that Pakistani women are struggling for their rights, subjected to sexual harassment etc. and your friend did some job to retrieve or salvage them. In this way you are insulting and derogating the great country of Pakistan and its nation for your self serving deceitful and exploitative deeds. On the contrary in Pakistan women are passing wonderful life alongwith their fellow men as colleagues, class fellows, sisters, mothers, daughters, wives, grandmothers, aunts etc., in homes, educational institution and work places wherever they are from ordinary peasants/labourers to the highest offices of PM, Speakers of NA and even holding highest offices of President of Pakistan and several other authoritative positions. The record of broken homes in Pakistan is also comfortably much lower when compared to other countries of the world like USA etc. The Pakistani women have already been there for long and not from now on as is being falsely presented by you or your friend in the forefront in all spheres of life in great numbers, did great job, enjoying all respect and recognition and greatly adored.
Apart from it Liberal Pakistan is also represented by Pakistani film artists, dancers, singers and of other showbiz, media and TV personnels and other social circles both men and women alike which is daily affair of world glare and renowned. The mother of all laws is the Constiution of Pakistan, the supreme law of land, since 1973 when your friend would either not been born or if borne would be going to KG, which guarantees the equality of all men and women, against all sort of discriminations, exploitation and harassments. Although there is no discrimination on the basis of gender in laws of Pakistan providing protection equally to men and women from any exploitation and harassment, still there have been other laws protecting and guaranteeing the rights and interests of women specially. Hence be truthful and honest and open your mind.
Your persistence in dubbing Pakistan as such falsely in a foreign land lead me to infer that you remained deprived and would have been subject to any untoward incident either in your own life or in your parents home which of course would be an isolated personal incident of your home peculiar to your own circumstances and cannot be generalised to represent and malign the great country of Pakistan and its nation.
You people stop this stupidty being made under a conspiracy against sovereign state of Pakistan and its nation of 200 million self respecting people. I am going to lodge a formal complaint to the concerned authorities in Washington to take notice of all this falsehood and fraud to claim reward by you people on their great land.
If she is Muslim and married to a Christian man, she can "go to Hell" and do some sexual harassment work there.
@Ayesha:
You are beating the bushes, Ayesha. The country has enough legislation already. Pakistan Constitution is there since 1973, the supreme law of the land, guaranteeing and recognising equality of all men and women and against any sort of exploitation and discrimination. This fine document was not the product of your friend as at that I wonder if you friend has been born or was going to school. People know world over Pakistan is a liberal society. Our world renowned great artists of films and showbiz, singers, dancers, comedy show players, women talk shows conductors and participators, anchor women are a witness to liberal Pakistan and shining examples. Pakistan is not the name of village. If Ayesha you had been living neglected what can one do. Stand up and recognise your talents on merit, you can become in the country of Pakistan, Mohatrama Fatima Jinnah or Mohatrama Benazir Bhutto (in whose time where your friend was) and whole country will be behind you. Why you falsely misleading that this friend of yours has brought the country to this level and belitting a great country for own self serving selfish deeds.
@Umar H.: Thank you Umar H.!
Israr Ali; I dont think she belittled the image of Pakistan. In fact, she has raised our image globally. We are the first country in South Asia to pass the "Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation" by the struggles and hard work of Dr. Fouzia Saeed. And the world sees Pakistan as a liberal state that respects its women to have passed two Anti-Sexual Harassment Legislation. And Pakistani women are proud, confident and capable of bringing a positive change in their societies. She raised the image of our nation and the men should too raise their images by supporting her! She did not ridicule or insult anyone. Yeah, she bashed the men who harass women and they are the ones who are belittling Pakistan's image world wide. and Taj Mahal is great, but slightly irrelevant here.
People, when they open their mouths or write about something they don't know very much about just tell the rest of the world how ignorant they are. The bottom line is that a Pakistani woman spent a number of years of her life struggling for the rights of Pakistani women and was able to achieve quite a bit. She has been recognized for her accomplishments and we, the people of Pakistan, both men and women are very proud of her!!! We need more people like you, Dr. Fouzia Saeed. Thank you for what you have done for us and still continue to do more ..... We are indebted to you!
I have yet to see a Pakistani more sincere or committed than Dr. Fouzia Saeed. CONGRATULATIONS to you!!!!
I don't understand why we constantly compare ourselves with others. Who cares what sexual harassment rates are in the rest of the world,shouldn't we care about our country? Who cares how they dress in the rest of the world. If there is any person being sexually harassed, that is a shame to our country, and until the day comes when everyone is safe, I don't think we can point fingers at others. As they say, clean up your own mess first. I am glad hat activists are being recognized in Pakistan especially ones that work as hard as Dr. Fouzia. That is not to say that no one else in Pakistan works hard, but we should rejoice for each person that is recognized and not squabble between ourselves, why was it her and not someone else. I believe that she is promoting a positive image of Pakistani women showing that women from our country can be intelligent and active and not just timid sheep as is often portrayed in western media. I do not know about you but I do not want the world thinking the women of Pakistan are scared and insignificant.
and p.s. M Israr Ali, If you had bothered to see the Jerry SPRINGER show, or the numerous others, you would realize that the women on that show are not even attractive, so in fact you can not make the argument they are "dressing semi-nude" and attracting the wrong attention. If I saw those women in scantily clad clothing I would have nightmares, not be aroused. Also, even comparing any country to that level of stupidity is an insult to the country. Please so not compare my country to something so ridiculous, treat it with more respect.
@Ayesha: My point Ayesha was that when you were ridiculing and belittling the Pakistan society and values and claiming awards in foreign land on that basis. Pakistani's are strong and caring people and they are found to keep their valuables or properties and treasures in the name of their spouses. We don't see that their ancestors made the greatest monument of love, Taj Mahal, for all times to come in memory of love which he had for his spouse.
I here agree with you. No problem claim your awards but please not on the basis of insulting or ridiculing Pakistan, its nation and values which are superbly human, civilised and cultured.
@ Israr Ali; I believe in the men of my country. I believe that they are so strong and moral, that they can resist even the most tempting of women. They have the capability of doing so, if they so choose to. I believe the men of my country to keep their eyes low and their morals high. I believe they can respect a woman who doesn't deserve respect. I believe that they can be so strong and great, if they make a decision and choice. Then why not do it. Why show men as weak?
@ Israr Ali; In Pakistan they may equally harassed or even more. We're just not as open as their culture. and women here don't complain or raise a voice against it. And why do we care about their societies anyway. Why are we comparing. I don't have to live in the US. I have to live in Pakistan. I dress modestly, but even I get harassed openly in public, on public transport, markets, streets, work. I know women wearing hijabs who get harassed by their male bosses. Obviously you're unaware of that because women don't come to you and tell you about their problems. but they do exist. Open your eyes and your mind. I understand that males get provoked, but they must control their urges. That's the difference between humans and animals.
!!!??..Muslim non a to married is she if care don't really I
@Ayesha: That is what I am trying to make me understand. I am dead against any type of harassment and not for sexual only. I stand for dignity of mankind that lies not in remaining in nudity but by remaining appropriately dressed and in modest and graceful living.
What I wanted to say that in Pakistan there is comparatively much lesser sexual harassment than in so called freer societies.There are host of programmes like Jerry Spinsor Show etc., which shows how the women in those societies are grossly abused, harassed and tortured. Same person may be having sexual relartions at a time with mother and her daughter etc or two sisters etc. Dr Fouzia Saeed might be good person but by making such type of propaganda she is leaving behind a sort of impression that Pakistan is primitive society where there is no civilisation and no values while we Pakistanis have thousands of years old civilisation and deep rooted values of giving extreme respect to our women. Hence she is trying to bring bad name to the great country of Pakistan and its wonderful nation, which you will appreciate would hardly be tolerated by any self respecting nation. Hence if she wanted to make her debut then don't score on false premises of mligning or ridiculing Pakistan.
The most important is dressing. We male people may be in our homes with shirts off but when someone comes we take on shirts and in proper manner comes in front of visiting person or go outside. In the same way females should also when coming out should be appropriately dressed. If they will be in shorts i.e., semi nude position, it is natural that they are themselves suffering from something. This immodest dressing is bound to stire natural biological urge in opposite sex also or make him mentally perturbed if he has some masculinity. In this way the females in exposing unduly their feminist atire will tend to cause general sexual harassment to the males. I doubt if Dr Fouzia or her siblings would have adopted that sort of inappropriate semi nude dressing for themselves also which I note that you are trying to defend by one way or other. Madam Secretary of State of US, a great lady as first lady, senator and now stateswoman, always found dressed appropriately either in US itself or when goes abroad. In countries like Pakistan or Saudi Arabia etc., when she visits, she is found covering her head also with scarve and look very graceful and dignified lady.
Dr Fouzia Saeed therefore, would be better advised to hold some sort of talk show in Washington and dwell upon the importance of appropriate dressings for females in a modest way in the great country of United States and be in the glare of people with grace and dignity. The respect of feminish lies here and not in nudity which is extreme form of exploitation of females on the one hand and sexual harassment to both males and females.The cause of working against sexual harassment will then be best served.
God guide us all.
@ S Israr Ali; one thing I want to clear out is that Dr. Fouzia's struggles have not been against Pakistan. It has been against sexual harassment. Don't make this about what she wears and what happens in the USA. Make an argument about why working against sexual harassment is wrong? Do you support the issue of sexual harassment? Pakistan is a great country, no doubt but what we as a nation lack is taking responsibility for our own actions. Let's take responsibility for our own actions first and remain moral. and any act that doesn't affect or harm another being should be rightfully ignored. How one treats themselves is of lesser importance than how they treat others. So what she wears does not affect us or hurt us. But her struggles have helped millions of women across this country. And anyone who knows Dr. Fouzia knows that she is a wonderful person, very friendly to her peers and subordinates, a very cheerful and positive person and a role model for all women in Pakistan. Let's support her for that!
@AF: You appear to be biased and suffering from malice. I never advocated crimes. It is not peculiar to girls only but people of the same sexes are also subjected to such crimes for which laws are there to take care of that. If such crimes in some Islamic country are committed as you mentioned, it is considered so heinous and hateful that examplary punishments of stoning to death are awarded to perpetrators after a due process. This was not at all my subject towards which I don't know why your mind went. The crimes are not peculiar to Pakistan only. It is a world phenomenon in every human society. Moral values in west are different that is people of the same sexes can live together in conjugal relationship under law and they are recognised as family class even in preference to married couples. Gay marriages are allowed and gays are considered respectable persons. Couples can happily live jointly in friendship or common law partneshipr without marrying and still can give birth to children without offending anybody. So is their life styles and ways of dressings etc.which cannot be denied These are the realities which differs Pakistani Women from women of those geographical societies.
I was responding to the vicious propaganda against Pakistan by the lady and her co-hearts on media, claiming to be Pakistanis, who obtained some award in Washington and had made revolution in Pakistan for bringing rights to women in Pakistan and were taking pride in her. That was misleading and amounts to bringing bad name to country maliciously for self serving selfishs purposes. The women in Pakistan as I wrote earlier with specific examples and need not be repeated have remained most vibrant, enjoyed all respect, grace and dignity as well as recognition in every sphere of life not only from its inception but even before and did splendidly well. Bi Amaan (of course a woman) of Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar was famous, adored and very much respected in whole India not only in pre-partition period but even now after her death several decades ago.
Pakistan is a great country and its nation is wonderful people. God bless Pakistan and its people. Hence leave Pakistan of which values we are proud and mind your own businesses without involving false propaganda against it.
@S. Israr Ali:
I was really forced to reply u that u have again and again mentioned that women should be coem into public modestly and with dignity...by the way have u ever heard of women,even 6 years old girl children being raped sometimes inside thier own homes etc...is it their fault???? and is this the punishment for women that they must be harrassed if they are not following the modesty related Principles being created by peopel like You...........
It also happens sometimes that women are also proved by Opposit gender by soem of their Acts that can be Enough Source for provoking 'opposite Gender Natural Biological Instincts"...but Why Women dnt harrass those men to satisfy their natural biological instincts..Why dnt they Rape those MEN...Is it only MEN who cannot control themselves....
Mr. Israr if u have understood, what i am saying...Please do think over it...
We all must be proud of Dr. Fouzia's achievements for the cause of Anti-Sexual Harassment. Women all over Pakistan have been empowered and strengthened because of the struggles and work of one woman who initiated it all. If women in Pakistan can walk with pride and dignity, feeling safe at their work environment it's all because of one woman, Dr. Fouzia Saeed. The least we can do is appreciate and honor her work, her struggle, Instead we waste our energies focusing on what she's wearing. We're better than this. Let's prove ourselves better men and people by respecting and paying homage to this national hero. I "salute" you ma'am. and you make the women and men of this country proud!
@Shahbaz Akbar Chaudhary.:
It is not understood as to what you really mean to say particularly by bringing father and mother and brothers in between. I only said that in free society like USA, the young females by dressing themselves so scantly virtually in shorts or undergarments in public are causing all sort of sexual harassment. The notion of so called free society has taken humanity to ways of societies still remain without dressing where civilisation has till now not taken roots or to the ages of premedievial societies when dressing was not a requirement in those periods. If Dr Fouzia Saeed wants to work really against sexual harassment, then she should focus on inducing those females in so called free societies to adopt modest ways of dressing and come in public respectably with all feminish grace and dignity and should not be a source of provoking opposite gendre natural biological instincts.
Proud of her :)
In a free society like United States where the young girls could be seen freely roaming in shorts in shopping malls, entertainment places, eating houses etc., to full public glare provoking all sorts of biological emotions of opposite gender while males taking on bigger chunks of cloth to dress themselves modestly, I wonder sexual harassment could be relevant in that environment.
I wonder Dr Fouzia Saeed would opt that sort of dressing of premedievial ages or still prevalent in those parts of the world where civilization has till now not taken roots for either herself or for her siblings even after living in USA that long. I would appreciate if she really works for sexual harassment, she should work for preaching and advising the females in that society to dress modestly and come out in public glare with grace and dignity.
Who ever is working for Pakistan, Women and oppressed people we are proud on them. We recognize it beyond gender. Congrats Dr. Fouzia & family. Best Regards
I am proud of Dr fouzia who is working against all kind of operessive behaviour against women.
Guys, please don't judge or comment before knowing what she did for the rights of women and marginalized people. Read what she did for Pakistani women. One example: She was working for a legislation to stop harrassment of women at workplace, which was eventually passed by the parliament. Although it won't stop harrassment immediatley untill attitudes change but it's a first step in the right direction.
I am proud of Malala but not so sure about these sleeveless 'gaga' ladies.
This was long over due. Those who know her and have seen her work know how much this lady is motivated. Her heart aches for injustices committed against all vulnerable groups. It was her sheer determination which made possible passage of two landmark laws in Pakistan. Dr. Fouzia you are a fighter and Pakistan is proud of you.
@Shayan:
Why does anyone need a computer in your cave?
"four-decade-long struggle for women’s rights" Yeah and all women in Pakistan enjoy their rights now? Hollow award. Award for a true activist is his/her achievement and I don't see any here.
@vish: @ayesha azeem: Ladies, ever heard of Omar Aftab. He is currently the CEO of Pink Ribbon Awareness Campaign. He has been working for the awareness of breast cancer for years now.
@Kay Kay You call them realists...
If a man say something against women, like in the first two comments, he would be called as a Chauvinist. What do we call these women?
Why does anyone need a projector in a kitchen ?
Thank God! We are proud of you. We need more soft faces like you.
We Pakistani women will make Pakistan,Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan one day...INSHALLAH Can't expect anything from our men..Sorry