ISLAMABAD: Sunita Parmar, a 31-year-old Hindu woman, has emerged as a beacon of hope not only for minorities but also for women, who make up 52 per cent of the country’s 220 million population.
Parmar has taken a difficult decision of contesting general elections being held on July 25 and is confident of challenging stereotypes in the process.
Hailing from Tharparker’s Hindu Meghwar community, Sunita has made history as the first Hindu woman to contest provincial assembly election. She is contesting from Tharparkar district (constituency number PS56) in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province as an independent candidate.
Unveiling her agenda in her native town of Islamkot, Sunita vowed to improve standards of education for women and revitalise poor health facilities in Thar. “I will try to improve standards of education for women and health facilities in Tharparkar,” she said.
“Previous governments did nothing for the people of this area. Even in the 21st Century, we lack basic health facilities and proper educational institutes for women,” Sunita said.
Despite hardships and pressure from society (to stop studying), she did her Masters in Education. “I believe in girl’s education. This is the only way to make women stronger and help them prosper,” she said.
“Gone are the days when women were supposed to be weaker and inferior. I am confident of winning the election,” Sunita said. Backed by her family, relatives and the community, Sunita is breaking several social and political barriers, Al Arabiya English reported.
“This is 21st Century and we are even ready to fight the lion,” a confident Parmar said.
In march this year, Krishna Kumari Kolhi from Pakistan’s Sindh become the first-ever Hindu Dalit woman Senator.
Kolhi, 39, from Thar is a member of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), one of the main political parties in Pakistan. She won the election for the reserved seat for women from Sindh province. Her election was a major milestone for women and minority rights in Pakistan.
“Women like Sunita and Krishna are real face of Pakistan. I’m sure they will contribute to make Pakistan prosper,” Zareen Gul, a women’s rights activist said.
— APP
