‘Courage, merit have no gender’ as leadership rises above bias: CM Maryam

• Punjab CM champions women’s rise, urging women to defy criticism and emerge as role models despite challenges

• Recalls jail ordeal, refusal of privileges amid extreme conditions and pays tribute to trailblazers at International Women’s Day awards ceremony

• Highlights Punjab’s progress across key sectors, stressing 51% female workforce vital for Pakistan’s growth

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LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday said that true leadership transcends gender biases, asserting that courage and merit are not defined by gender and women must not be deterred by criticism, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.

Addressing the “Hum Leader Award” ceremony held in connection with International Women’s Day, she said that despite societal challenges, women who persevere can emerge as powerful role models for others, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

She observed that politics has traditionally remained a male-dominated arena, but women possess the unique ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Reflecting on her own journey, she described being the niece of a three-time prime minister and three-time chief minister as both an honour and a test, noting that many had doubted her capacity to reform a broken system.

Sharing personal experiences, she recalled her time in jail, where she refused special privileges despite extreme conditions, including enduring temperatures of up to 50 degrees in a confined cell.

Highlighting governance and development, the chief minister said that Punjab, a province of 120 million people, is making steady progress across key sectors including infrastructure, sanitation, economy, agriculture and policing through sustained efforts and reforms.

She stressed that Pakistan’s development would remain incomplete without the active participation of women, who constitute 51 per cent of the workforce.

Underscoring women empowerment initiatives, she said the provincial government is providing safe and enabling opportunities for women to earn livelihoods. She cited improvements in public spaces, safer transport facilities, and the introduction of modern policing tools such as virtual police stations, video call reporting, panic buttons and CCTV monitoring to enhance women’s safety.

She further noted that women are now serving in key leadership roles across the province, including as chief minister, chief justice, ministers, secretaries, commissioners, deputy commissioners and district police officers, while also making their mark in the armed forces and other professional fields.

Recalling her political struggle, she referred to standing firmly beside her father during the 2016 Panama case, saying challenges should be viewed as opportunities for growth.

Encouraging parents to support their daughters, she said empowered women contribute to national pride and progress, adding that confidence and self-belief are essential for success.

Congratulating the award recipients, she paid tribute to distinguished women including Yasmin Qureshi, Anees Haroon, Jehan Ara and Mai Janda, noting that while the journey towards women’s empowerment is challenging, it remains achievable through resilience and determination.