Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has spoken candidly about her journey to power, saying her rise to the top was far from easy in a male-dominated political landscape.
Addressing a ceremony marking International Women’s Day, she said, “Reaching this position was not easy. People do not know the struggles I went through. A frightened young girl becoming chief minister is not a simple journey.” She added that in a society where men dominate politics, she had never imagined herself in such a role.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that while men work hard, women often manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. “In the office, I am the chief minister, but at home, I am a mother,” she said, urging society to trust women’s abilities. “If you give women confidence, they can achieve more than you can imagine.”
She described women’s empowerment, independence, and strength as causes close to her heart, noting that the path to autonomy is never easy. Reflecting on her personal experiences, she said her journey as a woman was not very different from others, despite appearing privileged from a distance. She also recalled her time in Adiala Jail, saying she did not even know what her alleged crime was.
Highlighting her political struggle, Maryam Nawaz said she had to confront entrenched mindsets and prove herself. She encouraged women who strive forward to become role models for others. She also expressed pride in becoming Pakistan’s first female chief minister of Punjab, calling it an honor for every mother, sister, and daughter.
She noted that Punjab’s improving performance is the result of hard work, adding that seeing roads and parks developed gives her a sense of joy similar to that of a mother. Despite coming from a politically influential family, she said her journey was filled with challenges, as expectations and scrutiny were high.
Maryam Nawaz concluded by rejecting gender bias in leadership, stating, “Leadership goes beyond gender,” and urged young girls not to believe anyone who tells them they are inferior.
