Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah
A Trailblazing Pakistani Diplomat and Politician
Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah was a remarkable woman who defied gender norms and made significant contributions to Pakistani politics and diplomacy. She was the first Muslim woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of London and the first woman to represent Pakistan at the United Nations. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into her life and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah was born on August 22, 1915, in Calcutta, India. Her father, Sir Shahid Suharwardy, was a prominent Muslim politician and served as the Prime Minister of Bengal. Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah received her early education at home and later went on to study at Lady Brabourne College in Calcutta. In 1937, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calcutta.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah went to London to pursue her Ph.D. She completed her doctoral studies in 1940 and became the first Muslim woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of London.
Political Career
Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah's political career began in the early 1940s when she joined the All India Muslim League. She was a close associate of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, and played a key role in the Pakistan Movement. After the partition of India in 1947, she became a member of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan and was one of the few women who played an active role in drafting the country's constitution.
In 1958, Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah became the first woman to represent Pakistan at the United Nations. She was appointed as the Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN. She played an active role in various UN committees and was a vocal advocate for the rights of women and children.
After leaving the UN, Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah continued to be active in Pakistani politics. She was a member of the National Assembly from 1962 to 1965 and served as Pakistan's Ambassador to Morocco from 1971 to 1973.
Legacy
Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah's legacy as a trailblazer in Pakistani politics and diplomacy is significant. She was a pioneer who defied gender norms and paved the way for other women to enter politics and diplomacy. Her contributions to the Pakistan Movement and her work as a diplomat and politician have left an indelible mark on the country.
In addition to her political and diplomatic work, Begum Shaista Suharwardy Ikramullah was also an accomplished writer. She wrote several books, including "From Purdah to Parliament: The Memoirs of Begum Shaista Ikramullah," which chronicles her life and career.
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