Dr. Farzana Bari, born on March 7, 1957, is a prominent Pakistani feminist, human rights activist, and academic, recognized for her significant contributions to gender studies and women’s rights. Currently, she is unattached and not romantically involved with anyone. Details about her previous relationships and any past engagements are not readily available. With over twenty-five years of experience, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse on gender issues in Pakistan. Bari served as the director of the Gender Studies Department at Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, where she also founded the first gender studies department in any Pakistani university.
Academic and Professional Background
Farzana Bari holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom. Her doctoral thesis, “Effects of Employment on the Status of Women within Family,” reflects her commitment to understanding the dynamics of women’s roles within the family structure. Her academic pursuits extend to policy advice and advocacy, focusing on women’s economic, political, and social empowerment in Pakistani society. One of her notable research projects explored “Women’s Substantive Representation in Pakistani Politics.”
Feminism and Human Rights Activism
As a human rights activist, Bari stands as a staunch advocate for justice and gender equality in Pakistan. She has been a vocal critic of the male-dominated jirga system, emphasizing the need for reforms to address systemic gender biases. Bari has also called for a more progressive interpretation of Islamic rules concerning women’s rights, challenging conservative norms prevalent in Pakistani society.
Bari’s activism extends beyond theoretical discussions. In 2013, she raised concerns about women being denied voting rights due to the unavailability of national identity card numbers, estimating that at least eleven million women were affected. She actively pursued justice in cases like the Kohistan dancing video incident, where she alleged that girls in the video were later murdered.
Addressing grim issues, Bari exposed the harrowing situation of 300 children forced into sex slavery in Hussain Khan Wala Village from 2006 to 2014. Her unwavering stance against the 2016 decision by the Islamic council to legalize “slight” beating of wives showcases her commitment to challenging regressive norms.
Bari has consistently spoken out against honor killings in Pakistan. Even as the National Assembly outlawed honor killings in 2016, she warned that the law’s effectiveness depended on the judge’s determination of whether a homicide was genuinely an honor killing, highlighting potential loopholes.
Political Engagement
Farzana Bari’s commitment to social change extends to her involvement in politics. She served as a senior leader and vice president of the Awami Workers Party (AWP), joining the party since its formation in 2012. Her role in the AWP included being elected as the women’s secretary during the party’s third central congress in Lahore in March.
Aurat March and Women Democratic Front (WDF)
As a member of the Women Democratic Front (WDF), a socialist democratic women’s organization, Bari has actively participated in organizing the Aurat March in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These marches have become significant platforms for advocating women’s rights and challenging patriarchal norms.
Authorship
Farzana Bari has contributed extensively as a columnist for publications like The Express Tribune and Daily Times Pakistan. Her articles delve into a range of issues related to gender, human rights, and social justice.
Conclusion
Farzana Bari’s multifaceted contributions to academia, activism, and politics make her a trailblazer in the pursuit of gender equality and human rights in Pakistan. Her unwavering dedication to challenging oppressive norms and advocating for justice continues to inspire a new generation of activists in the country.