The Express Tribune hi five - September 21

Ms SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

ISSUE NO. 118

Digital Galore

4

page

Feminism in Pakistan

2

page

inside lifestyle —

Healthy cooking

domestic goddess —

Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk

8

Coffee delight

page

The Versatile Nadia Hussain

2 Ms

the buzz

in Pakistan – A Brief History Pakistani women have gone through great struggle to secure their basic rights by Mehreen Ovais Following the catastrophic attacks of 9/11, Islam was suddenly propelled to the centre stage in the world media. Journalists, politicians, religious scholars and civilians alike began to decode and debate Islamic concepts and practices, perhaps in an attempt to justify what had happened. This gave way to many misconceptions and stereotypes regarding the religion.

Out of the countless false notions that sprung up, the idea of the ‘victimised Muslim woman’ is the perhaps the most common. Terms like ‘veil’ and ‘burqa’ are now part of regular political jargon claiming that Muslim women are subjugated and victimised by these fundamentalist Islamic practices and should be rescued from their entrapment. To make matters worse, understanding and tolerance for feminism in Pakistan and other Muslim countries remains low, limited to a narrow continuum between eastern and western ideologies. Feminism is generally regarded as unnecessary; a construct of the West which deserves no importance in the Islamic structure.

In their acclaimed 2012 study entitled Position of Pakistani Women in the 21st Century, Dr Jaweria Shahid and Khalid Manzoor Butt define feminism as equality for women and freedom from gender discrimination in different aspects of life. “Feminists are those who dare to break the conspiracy of silence about oppression, unequal relationships between men and women and who want to change it,” they write. “All feminist pursuits are aimed at social movement acquiring rights for women from society.” Keeping this under consideration, one might argue that feminism in Pakistan is a complete myth. Ever since its independence, in Pakistan have been battling exploitative treatment at the hands of their male counterparts – the social, economic and political environment making it difficult for them to progress and fight for their rights. There has almost always been some backlash against women who wish to empower themselves be it by studying, working or even choosing a spouse for themselves.

NGOs and other institutions that work to help oppressed women are accused of misleading and ‘brainwashing’ them. Most of these women internalise their suffering, either out of fear or a lack of resources to turn to and the relatively affluent, educated upper class simply turns a blind eye, hoping to maintain their status quo.

Broadly speaking, there are two dominant threads of feminist discourse in Pakistan: a modern, Islamic feminism and a secular feminism. Modern Islamic feminists such as Riffat

Did You Know: One of the first Pakistani feminists was actually a man from Lollywood?

Comedian and director, Rangeela, was the first Pakistani to publically express his concerns regarding the treatment of women in Pakistan and support the liberation movement of the 1970s. He did so via a film called Aurat Raaj which he directed, produced and even acted in. Released in 1979, the film depicted the story of a housewife who stands up against her chauvinist husband and goes on to form a political party for women across the country, eventually becoming the national leader. Unfortunately, it didn’t fare well at the box office although it is still considered to have been well ahead its time and a commendable effort on Rangeela’s part.

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

3

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Islam was the first religion to formally grant women a status they had not enjoyed before and taught moral, spiritual and economic equality Hassan, Amina Wadud and Asma Barlas seek to further women’s rights by redefining Islamic views and focusing on the female-centric laws Islam offers. This form of feminism appeals largely to the lower, middle and upper-middle strata of society which looks to religion for answers. Secular feminists like Shahnaz Rouse and Fouzia Saeed consider feminism as an extention of basic human rights, regardless of any religious connotations. Once again, these women are labelled as protagonists of western culture by those who misconstrue Islamic teachings to suit feed their own, chauvinistic principles.

Unfortunately, what most people fail to realise is that feminism in Paksitan is not entirely a novel concept, nor is it anti-Islamic. In fact, Islam was the first religion to formally grant women a status they had not enjoyed before and taught moral, spiritual and economic equality. There are countless quotes from prominent Islamic scholars, ahadith and the Quran itself, promulgating women’s rights regarding different of life, including education, marriage and divorce. In politics, the undertones of feminist ideals have existed throughout, coming to the forefront only recently thanks to advancements in media and education. Fatima Jinnah, for instance, fearlessly led thousands of women to stand up for their well-being even before Pakistan was created. Soon after, Begum Ra’ana Liaquat Ali Khan founded the All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA) in 1949, aiming to further the moral, social and economic standing of women across the country. Similarly, the Women’s Action Forum (WMA) was established in September 1981, lobbying and advocating on behalf of women without the resources to do it themselves.

12th February, 1983 - Lahore, Pakistan

Women of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) and Pakistan Women Lawyers’ Association (PWLA) beating baton-charged at a rally agaInst the law of evidence.

However, the real wave of feminist struggle arose in 1980 as a reaction to General Zia-ul-Haq’s controversial implementation of the Hudood Ordinance which asked rape victims to present four eye-witnesses for their claim to be accepted. The WMA publically opposed the unjust rulings passed under the bill, raising awareness.

The forum included women from all spheres who spoke against the government in the media, protested on the streets, conducted educational campaigns in schools and devised the famous ‘Men, money, mullahs and military’ slogan.

Unsurprisingly, feminism gained most traction during Benazir Bhutto’s two terms as Prime Minister (1988-1990 and 1993-1996), during which time NGOs and focus groups were given considerable power and urge the government to make amends. Unfortunately, the momentum decreased once Nawaz Sharif took office in 1997 and women found themselves losing ground to political conservatism and religious revivalism, as indicated by Afiya Sherbano in her study on the History of Pakistani Feminism (2009). In 1997, the Council of Islamic Ideology recommended making burqa mandatory and honour killings also rose to new highs. Some lost ground was reclaimed when General Pervez Musharraf rallied for women’s rights and encouraged their involvement in media, sports and other socio-political activities. The movement has continued to this day, albeit with lesser intensity than before. Together, the WMA has successfully enabled many women-friendly bills such as the Criminal Law Amendment Act (2004), the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, the Criminal Acid Act, Protection of Women Act, Status of Women Bill and sundry regulations condemning honour killings and other vices faced by women in Pakistani society.

In an article published in the New York Times, writer Bina Shah argues that, “A feminist movement can only succeed when it mirrors the makeup of the women and the society for whom

Feminism defined by some successful Pakistani women Humaima Malik (Actress): “I believe in women empowerment and definitely see it as holding a really strong ground in Pakistan. There are so many women who know of their rights and most importantly their potential. Not ignoring the parts of Pakistan where mindsets are still a long way from being changed, it is lovely to see that today’s women are strong and vocal about their views, trying different professions and breaking the stereotypes. Away from the pressure of whatever ‘norms’ the society may say they should follow.”

Vaneeza Ahmad Ali (Model & Entrepreneur): “The concept of feminism isn’t clear in Pakistan. It’s not about opening doors or hating men. Personally, I believe we are all equal but a very few people here agree with me. In our country, a MPA can stand up in the Parliament and say burying a woman alive is a part of our culture and get away with it. Individuals talks about feminism but there is nothing happening. We our deprived of our basic needs like electricity and unfortunately live in a man’s world, thus female rights is out of the question. There is not even a tremor for this cause.”

Atiqa Odho (Actress & Entrepreneur): “As a woman, I don’t ask for equal rights from anyone. I believe in working hard and achieving my own goals. No one should get preferential treatment due to gender. Capability empowers people to succeed, not noise. Men are our equal partners and hence we must keep them involved in our success.” it operates. ”Perhaps if more Pakistani women sought inspiration from these great achievements in feminist history, the position they held in society would be much higher and Pakistan would not be ranked amongst the worst countries for women to live in. A proponent of secular feminism, Bina argues that secular feminism is more democratic scope and resonates with the pluralistic feminist movement worldwide, as opposed to being restricted to just Pakistan and Islam. “Pakistan needs a feminism that elegantly marries both strands of feminism, secular and Islamic,” she says. – “That is how Pakistan was formed- on both Islamic and secular principles.”

However, much like everything else, equal rights for women are impossible without stringent political support and when that is not met, feminists need to take matters into their own hands.

“While the space for women in nationalist politics was always small, the space for feminist politics in Pakistan is almost non-existent,” explains writer Madihah Akhtar in her article on Feminists in Pakistan. “Feminists, of both the secular and Islamic flavours, have to be content with voicing their opinions through non-governmental organisations and in academia, both in Pakistan and abroad.”

Perhaps secular feminism is the answer to rectifying Pakistan’s image before the world. Women’s rights may be misunderstood, under-represented and disregarded in Pakistan but they are by no means absent. Our people need to be informed that feminism does not mean being anti-male or anti-Islamic. Those rallying for women rights need to be clearer and more united in their stand and find a workable balance between what is right and what we know. The message of feminism does not signify that women should in any way be superior, nor does it call for immoral and anti-religious practices. It simply strives to make the lives of women across the world a lot easier than they are used to.

4

Ms

en vogue

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Eastern Elegance

Coordination & Styling: Zohra Alam Photography: Hasan Habib Hashmie Designer: Zohra Alam Make-up: Nadia Hussain Salon & Clinic Model: Nadia Hussain

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Zohra Alam’s new digital prints collection is ideal for formal events

5

6 Ms

lifestyle

5

Tips for DiabetesFriendly Cooking

Who says having diabetes should stop you from indulging in your favourite homemade delicacies? by Syeda Kiran Zehra Hussain When you know the essentials of mealplanning, you can make almost any recipe tick. So don’t toss your favourite recipes aside just because the endocrinologist prescribes health eating. Instead, use our quick tips to cooking wisely. Keeping healthy has never been this easy!

1) Reduce your meat intake All animal foods, red meat in particular, are the greatest sources of saturated fat in our diet. Additionally, they are also rich in Trimethylamine Oxide (TMAO) – a byproduct that increases risk of cardiac and other diseases seven times! In fact, avoiding meat just one day a week has been proven to reduce health risks greatly. Instead, incorporate more greens and leafy vegetables into your diet. Swiss chard, collards and kale (Safaid chukander, karam kala and serbeen respectively) are especially beneficial to diabetics as they moderate sugar levels and can be cooked easily. If you are making pasta, add small pieces of kale to the saucepan for about four minutes before it is cooked and drain the water for a ready-to-go meal.

Replace bread with cabbage or collard leaves and use them as wraps. Green vegetables can also be mixed into pizza or pasta sauces for a delicious and healthy twist to your

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Some everyday food items to avoid if you have diabetes 1. Nachos 2. Fruit juice beverages, milkshakes, smoothies and coffee drinks 3. Cinammon rolls 4. French fries 5. Bakery cookies, cakes and pies 6. Processed meats 7. Frozen meals 8. Sodas favourite meals. Lentils and beans are also a great option for diabetics as not only are they filling and full of proteins but also great to taste in soups.

2) Say no to soy Just like meat, dairy products also contain high levels of animal protein, saturated fats, cholesterol, casein and carcinogens. It is a common misconception that soya milk – a liquid produced by soaking dry soybeans and grinding them in water – is a healthier alternative to regular milk but this too can be full of added casein and excess oils. Hence, it is highly recommended that diabetics not ingest too much dairy so as to keep the fats at bay. Should a recipe call for sauces made from cream or whole milk, use cornstarch and skimmed milk instead.

3) Avoid solid fats If you are opting for a recipe involving solid fats like butter, use trans-fat free margarine spreads instead. It is better to cook using liquid fats like canola, corn or olive oil, so long as these are used in moderate quantities.

However, there are plenty of oil alternatives to keep you clear of unwanted fats: stir-fry instead of deep-frying and using vinegar, water and sodium-free vegetable broth for cooking can go a long way. For salads, pour vinegar instead of oil-based dressings. If bak-

7.1m

Pakistanis are living with diabetes currently, a number expected to rise to 11.4 million by 2030.

SOURCE: INTERNATIONAL DIABETES FEDERATION 2014

ing, replace normal sugar with mashed ripe bananas or apple sauce. Not only is this the healthier option but also great to taste!

4) Whole grain everything Eating good quality whole grain foods are the way to go for both diabetics and non-diabetics if they wish to stay healthy.

When the recipe you are following asks for ‘white’ flour/rice/bread, try substituting it with whole wheat flour or brown rice/bread instead as they contain less fat. If you are a fan of porridge, invest in steel-cut or rolled oats instead of the instant oat mix as the latter are processed and replete with preservatives. One can also mix different forms of whole-grain ingredients in the same recipe without compromising on the taste.

5) Skim the sugar This is perhaps the number one rule of living with diabetes as food sugar affects the level of blood sugar in the body directly. With most recipes, one can reduce the amount of sugar added without affecting the taste adversely. However, at times, it is difficult to cut corners on the ingredients, such as in baking which requires yeast which in turn requires sugar to fulfil its purpose. In such a situation, diabetics can invest in off-the-counter sugar substitutes prescribed by doctors, provided that they are suitable for cooking. One must avoid boxed fruit juices as even the ones that claim to be unadulterated are rich with chemicals. If you love ice-cream, blend frozen bananas and mangoes together and enjoy a nutritious, sugar-free alternative right at home.

Types of Diabetes 1) Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes results due to the body’s failure to produce sufficient amounts of insulin on its own accord. Only five to 10 percent of diabetics suffer from this type and nearly 70% of cases are diagnosed before the patient turns 30.

2) Type 2 Diabetes: The second type occurs as a result of insulin resistance.

In such cases, the cells within the body fail to respond to insulin properly, often leading to a lack of insulin and abnormal blood sugar levels. Primary causes of Type 2 Diabetes include excessive weight and lack of exercise.

3) Gestational Diabetes: This develops during pregnancy and is caused by the increased production of hormones which hamper the body’s ability to use insulin as it should, leading to high blood sugar.

Most gestational diabetes subsides post birth but increases risk of Type 2 diabetes later.

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

Recipe

Coffee Delight

If you are a coffee addict, this dessert is for you!

Huba Akbar is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication and Journalism.

In her free time, she likes to write, design clothes and cook.

Method For the first layer: • Melt the gelatine and sugar in water on low flame.

• In a separate saucepan, mix cornflour in cold milk and cook on low flame until it thickens.

• Add the cornflour mixture to the melted gelatinee and pour in the fresh cream.

• Whip the mix until it becomes smooth and leave it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

For the second layer: • Melt some gelatine in water over low flame.

• Add the remaining ingredients to the gelatine mixture and blend thoroughly.

• Pour the mixture over the first layer and allow it to set for about one hour, leaving it in the freezer.

• Decorate the top layer by sprinkling some coffee and cream on top.

• Serve chilled.

Ingredient:

Cornflour 1 and 1/2 tbsp

Fresh cream 1/2 pack

Powdered sugar 2 tbsp

For Second Layers:

Instant coffee powder 1/2 cup

Gelatine 1 tbsp

Powdered castor sugar 3 tbsp

Gelatine 1 tbsp

Cold milk 1/4 cup

woman of the week 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, SEPTEMBER 21, 2014

g in Do up eak m on m na Sa ch lo Ba . on al ys m at With my husba nd

and kids.

Diaries

es ani powerhous orld of Pakist w e th to in e A glimps

? anged your life ence!

An idea that ch lly made the differ my own salon rea rt sta to a ide e Th a husband and ng woman with e?

You are a worki work-life balanc you maintain a ly mi fa g ch ildren. How do tin ving a suppor h at times but ha ug to ry ve ts ge It rough a lot really helps me th

of leading names to be one of the How does it feel stry? the fash ion indu ccessful. t feeling to be su It’s always a grea

sh ion and ur interest in fa What sparked yo d modeling? into modeling an ce that I stepped an ch by t jus s It wa . side my dentistry continued it along d urite designer an Who is your favo why? urites since I have many favo to mething different everyone has so , SY H ri, sa mi An offer, especially No d an i of AFH Ayesha Hashwan etc. i, Deepak Perwan industry kistani fash ion How has the Pa e past years? changed over th the last five to six a huge change in It’s gone through w fashion has fashion weeks. No of nt ve ad e th years with s. a serious busines become more of

e and Clinic com Hussain Salon How did Nadia to about? ime so I decided continue for a lifet ot nn ca ng eli od M modeling. ess before I quit step into this busin by in lawn collection to Nadia Hussa What gave way ?

Shariq Textiles r partner lawn with anothe I had started doing it that, I tiles but when I qu before Shariq Tex ed. ariq and continu paired up with Sh ve it all?

Can women ha have rtainly can if they Yes! They most ce I said about it. Plus, as the right attitude really ly mi supporting fa earlier, having a helps. aspiring female Any advice for models? ut to success.

There’s no shortc

eneur Entrepr / l e d o M

With my

husb and.