(Remembering Quaid through his vision about women on his 148th birth anniversary)

Jinnah's vision for women emphasised their empowerment by promoting equal rights, education, and involvement in nation-building, creating the foundation for a progressive and inclusive Pakistan.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, admired as the Quaid-e-Azam or "Great Leader," was a towering figure in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Jinnah's legacy extends far beyond his role as the founder of Pakistan, a brilliant legal mind, a skilled parliamentarian, and a charismatic leader. He was a staunch advocate for the causes of equality, freedom, and justice. His steadfast commitment to the creation of an independent Muslim state, Pakistan, was fueled by his vision of a nation where every citizen, regardless of gender, background, or religious beliefs, could live with dignity, respect, and peace of mind. He emphasized the importance of not only men's involvement but also the active participation of women in the independence movement.
Before Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah became involved in the independence movement, the role of Muslim women's were primarily confined to domestic duties, which marginalised them from the public sphere and unaware of their potential to shape their destinies. Muslim reformers such as Nazir Ahmed, Altaf Hussain Hali, and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan understood the pressing need and advocated for women's education and rights. However, their approaches were limited, with some suggesting family teaching or men’s education first. It was not until the Khilafat movement and imprisonment of the Ali brothers in 1917 that women like Bi Amman along with her daughter-in-law Amjadi Begum began to participate in public activities, such as addressing gatherings while observing purdah.
Although these efforts were significant, they did not immediately result in large-scale participation by Muslim women in public life.
Muslim women began to engage more actively with the Muslim League in 1937, following the establishment of a women's section led by Begum Mohammed Ali. The following year, the All-India Muslim Women's Sub-Committee was formed to encourage women's participation and raise political awareness across the Subcontinent. Under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muslim women became more actively involved in the party, and efforts were made to mobilise students and youth to join the movement.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah's encouragement and support for his sister Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah in pursuing her education as a dentist and later her involvement in the political affairs were instrumental in mobilising Muslim women at that time. Her efforts helped bring thousands of women into the fold of the Muslim League, marking a significant turning point in the women's movement. Even after independence, Fatima Jinnah co-founded the All Pakistan Women's Association (APWA), which played a crucial role in the settlement of women migrants. She led processions, trained women for the National Guards, and provided first aid training.
Recognising the intelligence and significant contributions of women, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah appointed Amjadi Bano Begum as the only female member of the 25-member Working Committee of the Pakistan Muslim League. She actively participated in meetings and played a vital role in drafting the Pakistan Resolution. This resolution, adopted on March 23, 1940, was a collective effort to raise political consciousness among Muslim women.
On another occasion in 1942 when Geti Ara Bashir Ahmad, sister of Begum Shahnawaz asked Jinnah “If foundations of our new State be laid on conservatism, or the shape of a progressive country?” Jinnah firmly guaranteed her “Tell your young girls, I am a progressive Muslim leader. I, therefore, take my sister along with me to areas like Balochistan and NWFP and she also attends the sessions of the All India Muslim League and other public meetings. Insha Allah, New State will be a progressive country in the building of which women will be seen working shoulder to shoulder with men in every walk of life.”
Countless accounts attest to the profound impact of Jinnah's leadership on women's empowerment, as he sought to awaken their inner strength and inspire them to become agents of change. It became evident with another example of courage that still echoes in the history of Pakistan’s creation that is in 1946, a young student in 10th grade Fatima Sughra took down the British Union Jack from the Civil Secretariat Lahore and pulled up an ad hoc Muslim League flag made out from a dupatta. She was later awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan.
To further challenge the stereotype of Muslim women as conservative and illiterate, he selected Begum Shahnawaz to attend a prestigious International Herald Tribune Forum in 1946 along with a male representative. He chose a female delegate to correct misconceptions and misunderstandings held about Muslim women and their way of life.
Jinnah's passionate leadership and commitment to women's empowerment sparked a significant shift in their participation. He stressed the importance of advancing women alongside men in all aspects of life. in 1934, the Principal of the Islamia College for Women Lahore, Fatima Begum, invited him to address the students, where he quoted to addressed the audience by saying,

“I am glad to see that not only Muslim men but Muslim women and children also have understood the Pakistan scheme. No nation can make any progress without the cooperation of its women. If Muslim women support their men, as they did in the day of the Prophet of Islam, we should soon realize our goal.”

Following the establishment of the nation, Jinnah took her sister to the Sibi Darbar, a significant annual gathering of Baloch and Pakhtun leaders. This gesture symbolised his commitment to women's empowerment and their rightful place in shaping the nation's history. He reiterated his vision to women during an address in Karachi in late 1947:

"Half of Pakistan is yours because you have put in no less effort to achieve it than the men."

Bi Amman, Fatima Jinnah, Begum Ra'ana Liaquat, and the Suhrawardy sisters to name a few were among the key figures in Pakistan's independence movement, who all struggled alongside Quaid-e-Azam. Their legacy continues to empower Pakistani women, encouraging them to pursue their goals in politics, education, and social activism.
Pakistani women are making a great impression across most disciplines. Jinnah's views on women's empowerment remain profoundly inspiring and relevant even today. His actions and statements, clear and unambiguous, foster a society in which women are intellectually modern, competent to be part of policies at the national level, economically independent, and free from societal constraints.
During the Pakistan Movement, Jinnah envisioned a future where women would be emancipated, respected as equals, and actively involved in shaping the future of the nation. According to him, women are essential to determining Pakistan's future not just as mothers and housewives but also as educated, self-assured individuals who can make contributions to all facets of society, including the political, social, and economic spheres.
The women he envisioned are no less strong, patriotic, and capable of holding positions of influence and responsibility than their male counterparts. His guidance and support have inspired countless women to contribute to Pakistan's progress, not only during that era but also continuing to this day, even decades after the country's inception.
Women can overcome historical constraints and continue shattering boundaries in activism, leadership, and education by adopting Jinnah's principles of equality and empowerment. A contemporary Pakistan flourishes when all of its people—including women—are inspired to realize their full potential and make contributions to the advancement of the nation, as Jinnah had envisioned.
To honor Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's legacy, as citizens of Pakistan, it is our duty to treat all individuals with equality, giving them the same respect, rights, and opportunities to thrive in education and pursue success in their chosen professions.

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