Women's Day 2021: Strong women in the Pakistani showbiz

Here are some inspirational women, TV characters that roar authority and poise at the same time

Patriarchy is deeply embedded in the Pakistani mindset and seemingly, keeps on growing, no matter what. As per multiple researches, women in our society continue to face violence and prejudice on the daily. The Humanitarian Library states that 70% to 90% of women in Pakistan suffer from domestic violence.

While this includes mental, physical and sexual exploitation, Pakistani entertainment industry has been doing its part by bringing such incidences to the silver screen and so, portraying the society in its truest form. In this connection, here is a list of women who have inspired many to fight for themselves.

· Meesha Shafi

From being her opinionated self to fighting for her rights, Meesha is one powerful lady! Subjected to online criticism, bullying by locals, the singer-actor has recently earned her spot among the most looked up-to women by calling out sexual harassment and according to many, kicking off Pakistan’s very own #MeToo movement.

· Ramsha Khan in ‘Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat’

Playing a titular role, Ramsha portrayed Samiya who undergoes three failed marriages in Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat. In a society that shames a woman for not safe-keeping her marital relations, the drama was a mirror to society, as we saw Samiya battle one fight after another, thanks to her dominating father. The character resonates with many who are unable to stand up for themselves. Ghisi Pitti Mohabbat and Ramsha’s work were widely appreciated by netizens specifically women.

· Sanam Baloch in ‘Khaas’

Baloch has portrayed several characters that shed light on domestic matters. In her hit serial Khaas, she played Saba who had married a narcissist named Ammar. As Ammar continues to be obsessed with himself, Saba begins to question her own worth. The drama portrays how a woman fights vulnerability and does not give up as society expected her to. It ended with the note that a woman is self-sufficient and does not need to rely on a man.

· Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy

An avid activist and a voice for millions, film-maker and a journalist Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has highlighted the struggles of women in the rural areas of Pakistan through her remarkable documentaries. Obaid-Chinoy who bagged an Oscar for A Girl in the River and even made it to the list of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. Not only that, she was also behind the celebrated animated 3 Bahadur franchise. In total, she that has won two Academy and two Emmy Awards for her journalistic work.

Sania Saeed in ‘Meri Guriya’

Playing a pivotal role, Saeed portrayed Shehnaz, an unfortunate mother who loses her daughter to sexual assault and murder. Depicting the real-life case, where society tries to shut the victim and its family, the drama focused on the struggle for justice in a male-dominated society. In the end, Shehnaz makes her way to serve justice for her daughter and many who lost theirs. The drama was considered as one of the best solely based on Saeed’s gut-wrenching performance.