By Abe
The National Organization of Women (NOW) wrote in “A Maddening Reminder,” “On Dec. 27, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, robbed the world of a charismatic and dedicated advocate for democracy in the Middle East. The news was horrific, but hardly surprising given the numerous death threats Bhutto had received over the years.
In 1988 Prime Minister Bhutto became the first woman democratically elected to lead a modern Muslim nation, and repeatedly put her life on the line to advance democracy in a volatile country. Bhutto knew the risk that came with returning to Pakistan to run for a third term, but she refused to let that threat stand in her way. She was prepared to pay the ultimate price for freedom, and she did.”
The rest of the article by NOW President Kim Gandy makes little mention of Bhutto, but instead uses her assassination as a reminder that violence and brutality is a tool of oppression against women everywhere.
Had NOW looked more closely at Bhutto’s contributions, they may not have portrayed her as such a martyr. Bhutto certainly talked the talk. During the election campaigns the Bhutto government voiced its concern for women’s social and health issues, including the issue of discrimination against women. Bhutto announced plans to establish women’s police stations, courts, and women’s development banks. She was also a founding member of the Council of Women World Leaders, a network of current and former prime ministers and presidents.
Some, however would scoff at NOW’s description of her as “a dedicated advocate for democracy.” Her time in power was plagued with nepotism, sycophancy and corruption. She may have jumpstarted women’s health care and job programs, but she missed opportunities to repeal harsh anti-egalitarian laws. Bhutto was also avidly pro-life, and accused the West of “seeking to impose adultery, abortion, sex education and other such matters on individuals, societies and religions which have their own social ethos.”
Critics, such as the LA Times have called her contributions to women’s rights “cosmetic.” But Bhutto was up against tough opposition. Warlords and conservative mullahs have a strong presence in Pakistan, and women are still often imprisoned for adultery when they report rape. Her mere presence as a leader was enough to challenge claims that women belong at home. Benazir Bhutto wasn’t always a staunch defender of women’s rights, but for Pakistani women the fight for gender equality is a lot tougher now that she’s gone.
