Fouzia Saeed has been at the forefront of women’s issues in Pakistan for decades. She is renowned for her work on various fronts, including violence against women, prostitution, women in entertainment, women’s mobility, and sexual harassment. Notably, she founded Bedari, Pakistan’s first women’s crisis center, in 1991. Her commitment to addressing societal challenges has been recognized through her appointment to the National Commission on the Status of Women.
Government Appointments:
Saeed’s dedication to social causes led to significant government appointments. She served as the Chair of the Sexual Harassment Legislation Implementation Watch Committee and later as the Executive Director of Lok Virsa, the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage. Her tenure as the Director General of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) further showcased her leadership and commitment to cultural advancement.
Recognition and Awards:
Saeed’s tireless efforts have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. She was honored by HUM TV as one of Pakistan’s Ten Most Outstanding Women Leaders for her contributions to promoting Pakistani culture and addressing women’s issues.
Personal Journey:
Despite facing challenges, including a serious road accident during a road expedition, Saeed remains resilient. Her recovery and ongoing dedication to her mission highlight her unwavering commitment to social progress. Currently residing in the USA, she continues to inspire through her work and advocacy.
Personal Philosophy:
Saeed emphasizes the importance of being judged based on merit and accomplishments rather than being stereotyped by gender, economic background, nationality, or beliefs. Her vision and values drive her relentless pursuit of justice and equality for all.
Education and Academic Achievements
Fouzia Saeed’s academic journey began in Peshawar, Pakistan, where she received most of her schooling and early college education. She graduated from the University of Peshawar with a BS in Home Economics, earning the distinction of University Gold Medallist for Academic Excellence in 1979. Recognized for her outstanding academic performance, she was awarded the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Overseas Educational Award.
This award facilitated her pursuit of higher education in the United States. Saeed spent eight years at the University of Minnesota, where she earned an MS in design and later obtained a doctorate in education. Her doctoral research was supported by the Ethel L. Parker International Fellowship Award from the American Home Economics Association.
Professional Recognition and Contributions
Upon completing her degrees, Saeed returned to Pakistan, where she immediately began making significant contributions to education and the women’s movement. Despite her return to Pakistan, she maintained connections with the University of Minnesota, visiting as a lecturer on several occasions. In 1998, she was honored with the Distinguished International Alumni Award, followed by the International Leadership Award in 2008, both bestowed by the University of Minnesota in recognition of her impactful contributions.
International Engagement and Recognition
In 2010, the government of Japan recognized Saeed’s leadership potential by naming her one of seven Asian Leadership Fellows for the year. She participated in the Fellowship program in Tokyo from September to November 2010, where she engaged in lectures at various Japanese universities. Her experiences during the Fellowship program inspired her to write and share insights upon her return, further expanding her influence and international recognition.
Recognition and Advocacy
Fouzia Saeed’s relentless advocacy for the criminalization of sexual harassment in Pakistan was recognized in 2012 when she was awarded the Battle of Crete Award by the Oxi Day Foundation. This esteemed accolade honored her courageous actions for freedom and democracy, reflecting her decade-long struggle for legislative change.
Leadership in Education and Human Rights
From 2004 to 2012, Saeed served as the director of Mehergarh: A Center for Learning, where she led programs focusing on youth, gender, and human rights. Her leadership during this time was instrumental in advancing educational initiatives and promoting human rights awareness. While no longer in an official capacity, she continues to provide valuable insights as an informal advisor.
International Fellowships and Engagements
Between September 2012 and February 2015, Saeed embarked on a series of prestigious fellowships in the United States. She was a Fellow at the US National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, DC, a Draper-Hills Fellow at Stanford University in California, a Visiting Fellow at George Mason University in Virginia, and a Pakistan Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC, under the Smithsonian Institution. These experiences allowed her to broaden her perspectives and deepen her understanding of democracy, governance, and human rights on a global scale.
Personal Life and Interests
Currently residing in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saeed shares her life with her husband, whom she met during their work at the United Nations in Pakistan in 1995. Their shared experiences have taken them to various locations, including Manila, Kabul, and Cairo, enriching their personal and professional lives. Notably, Saeed’s adventurous spirit extends beyond her professional pursuits, as she is among the few Pakistani women of her generation who have learned to SCUBA dive. Her dives have taken her to diverse underwater landscapes, including those in Pakistan, the Bahamas, the Mergui Archipelago of Burma, Fiji, and various islands of the Philippines.
Literary Contributions
Fouzia Saeed’s literary works encompass a diverse range of topics, reflecting her deep engagement with societal issues and cultural heritage.
- TABOO!: The Hidden Culture of a Red Light District (Year)
Saeed’s debut book offers an ethnographic exploration of prostitution in Pakistan, shedding light on the hidden realities within red-light districts.
- Working with Sharks: Countering Sexual Harassment in our Lives (Year)
In this autobiographical exposé, Saeed shares her personal experiences of sexual harassment within the United Nations, alongside 10 other women. The book exposes the retaliation faced from UN management for speaking out against harassment.
- Forgotten Faces: Daring Women of Pakistan’s Folk Theatre (Year)
Drawing from her field research in the late 1980s, Saeed presents a richly illustrated account of the vanishing tradition of travelling theaters in Punjab, Pakistan, celebrating the courageous women involved.
- Folk Heritage of Pakistan: Glimpses into a Cultural Diversity (Year)
During her tenure as Executive Director of Lok Virsa, Saeed conceptualized and edited this comprehensive coffee table book. With over 500 photographs, it offers a vivid portrayal of Pakistan’s diverse folk heritage.
- On Their Own Terms: Early 21st Century Women’s Movements in Pakistan (Year)
Based on extensive field research, this book examines the contemporary women’s movement in Pakistan through four compelling case studies. Saeed also introduces the concept of women’s individual and collective agency, drawing from her academic research.
- Tapestry: Strands of Women’s Struggles in the History of Pakistan (Year)
Saeed’s latest work, Tapestry, delves into Pakistan’s history of women’s struggles. Researched both in Pakistan and at the US Library of Congress during her tenure as a Fellow at the Wilson Center, it provides a profound backdrop to modern women’s movements, offering a comprehensive narrative of women’s political development in Pakistan.
Formation of AASHA and Advocacy for Sexual Harassment Legislation
In the year 2000, Fouzia Saeed played a pivotal role in establishing AASHA (An Alliance Against Sexual Harassment) in Pakistan. AASHA comprises six core organizations, with the support of several hundred individuals and entities serving as partners and allies.
Development of a Code of Conduct
In 2002, AASHA collaborated with the government to develop a groundbreaking Code of Conduct on gender relations in the workplace. Initially adopted voluntarily by over 130 companies in Pakistan, this Code aimed to address and prevent sexual harassment in professional settings.
Advocacy for Legislative Change
Beginning in 2002, AASHA embarked on a sustained campaign to advocate for legislation mandating the adoption and implementation of the Code of Conduct by all public and private organizations in Pakistan.
Legislative Success
In November 2009, a significant breakthrough was achieved when the Pakistan National Assembly passed an amendment to the Pakistan Penal Code, explicitly recognizing sexual harassment as a cognizable offense nationwide. This amendment was subsequently ratified by the Senate in January 2010 and signed into law by President Zardari.
Implementation Oversight
On 10 May 2010, Fouzia Saeed was appointed by the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) to lead the Government’s Implementation Watch Committee. This committee was tasked with facilitating and monitoring the adoption and enforcement of the newly enacted sexual harassment legislation across Pakistan.
Impact and Legacy
The tireless efforts of Fouzia Saeed and AASHA culminated in the passage of comprehensive legislation aimed at combating sexual harassment in Pakistan. Their advocacy and collaboration with the government led to significant strides in protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in professional environments.
Empowering Working Women: AASHA’s 10th Annual Working Women’s Assembly
On 22 December 2010, Dr. Fouzia Saeed, in collaboration with AASHA, orchestrated the landmark 10th Annual Working Women’s Assembly. This significant event took place in the esteemed Prime Minister’s Auditorium, with notable dignitaries in attendance.
Dignitaries and Participants
The assembly drew a diverse gathering of over 400 working women, representing various sectors such as agriculture, law enforcement, healthcare, governance, and more. Among the distinguished attendees were Prime Minister [Prime Minister’s Name], Fehmida Mirza, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ferdous Awan, Minister of Women’s Development, and Shanaz Wazir Ali, who officiated the event.
Government Recognition and Declarations
In a momentous gesture, the Prime Minister declared 22 December as National Working Women’s Day during his address at the assembly. This proclamation symbolized the government’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in the workforce. Furthermore, in alignment with legislative mandates, the Prime Minister appointed Ms. Musarrat Hilali as the inaugural Ombudsperson for Women’s Rights, marking a significant step towards ensuring the protection and advocacy of women’s rights in the country.
Impact and Legacy
The 10th Annual Working Women’s Assembly, organized by Dr. Fouzia Saeed and AASHA, served as a platform to honor the achievements of working women across various sectors. The government’s declarations underscored its dedication to empowering women and upholding their rights in the workforce. This event not only celebrated progress but also set the stage for continued advocacy and action towards gender equality and inclusivity in Pakistan.
Personal Experience and Advocacy Against Sexual Harassment
Throughout her career, Fouzia Saeed had been engaged in gender issues, but her focus intensified following a traumatic experience she and ten other women encountered while working for a United Nations agency in Pakistan.
Harassment and Fight for Justice
Saeed and her colleagues found themselves ensnared in a systematic sexual harassment scenario perpetrated by several managers within the UN agency. Despite their competence and dedication to their careers, they were subjected to harassment and intimidation. Refusing to remain silent, they collectively reported their supervisor to the UN Headquarters in New York, initiating a grueling two-year battle for justice.
Resilience and Victory
Despite facing attempts by UN leadership in Islamabad to undermine their credibility, Saeed and her colleagues persisted and ultimately emerged victorious when the main perpetrator was removed from the UN. Their case garnered widespread attention and prompted significant policy changes within the entire UN system.
Impact and Advocacy
Saeed documented this ordeal in her publication, “Working with Sharks: Countering Sexual Harassment in our Lives,” which received acclaim both nationally and internationally. The book’s publication sparked discussions and raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual harassment in professional settings. Reviews praised Saeed’s courage while highlighting the systemic challenges within international organizations in addressing such issues.
Legacy and Continued Advocacy
Saeed’s bravery in confronting sexual harassment has left a lasting impact, prompting reflection and action within organizations worldwide. Her advocacy continues to inspire individuals to speak out against harassment and work towards creating safer and more equitable workplaces.
Challenging Stigma and Shifting Perception: AASHA's Creative Approach
In her quest to combat the stigma surrounding victims of sexual harassment in Pakistani society, Fouzia Saeed initiated a unique campaign aimed at highlighting the role of harassers. Collaborating with colleagues from AASHA, she devised a series of characters whose behaviors constituted sexual harassment, portrayed in a humorous light to encourage women to speak out.
Creation of Humorous Characters
Saeed and her team assigned humorous names to these characters, aiming to break the taboo surrounding harassment and make the issue more tangible. Sabir Nazar, a renowned cartoonist in Pakistan, brought these characters to life through illustrations featured in a calendar for the year 2008.
Electric Response and Public Discourse
The calendar’s release generated significant buzz, with multiple reprints due to its popularity. It sparked discussions on television and in the press, marking a breakthrough in shifting public perception away from blaming victims towards addressing the root causes of harassment, namely the behavior of harassers.
Continued Impact and Expansion
Following the success of the initial calendar, subsequent editions were released in 2009 and 2010, each featuring new characters. The final calendar in January 2011 incorporated fan-selected favorites from the original 36 characters, determined through internet voting.
Media Recognition and Praise
Leading English language newspapers in Pakistan reported on the calendars, praising the acerbic humor and intelligent wit of Dr. Fouzia Saeed and AASHA. This creative approach not only raised awareness but also challenged societal norms and perceptions surrounding sexual harassment.
The AASHA Experience: A Decade of Struggle
The entire journey of the AASHA movement, from its inception in 2001 to its culmination with the passage of legislation and rules in 2011, is documented in the Mehergarh publication titled “The AASHA Experience: A Decade of Struggle Against Sexual Harassment in Pakistan 2001 to 2011.” This publication serves as a testament to the dedication and resilience of those involved in the fight against sexual harassment in Pakistan.
Fouzia Saeed's Focus on Violence Against Women
Fouzia Saeed has dedicated over 25 years to addressing the pervasive issue of Violence against Women (VAW) and its profound impact on women and their children. Her work encompasses crisis counseling, sensitization efforts, and extensive advocacy on various facets of VAW.
Volunteer Work in the United States
During her studies at the University of Minnesota, Saeed actively volunteered at crisis centers in Minnesota, where she received training as an advocate and counselor for violence survivors. At Chrysalis, she worked on helplines, providing support and resources to survivors and facilitating small groups of women. Additionally, she conducted a research study for St. Paul Intervention Center, assessing the satisfaction levels of violence survivors with law enforcement agencies, courts, counselors, and shelters.
Advocacy and Volunteer Work in Pakistan
Upon returning to Pakistan in 1987, Saeed joined the Women’s Action Forum and spearheaded efforts to address Violence against Women through the formation of the Committee for Violence Against Women under its Islamabad chapter. This task force critically analyzed the factors contributing to ongoing violence and organized workshops to deepen the discussion and propose initiatives for societal change.
Founding of Bedari: A Milestone in Addressing Violence Against Women
In 1992, Fouzia Saeed and Ambreen Ahmad embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to tackle women’s issues, particularly those related to violence, by founding Bedari, a pioneering community organization. Saeed assumed the role of executive director, alongside Ahmad, as they laid the foundation for this vital endeavor.
Formation of Bedari's Executive Body
At its inception, Bedari’s core members included Sara Tirmazi, Shazreh Husain, and Roshaneh Zafar, who collectively formed the first executive body. Together, they shared a commitment to addressing the urgent need for support and advocacy for women experiencing violence in Pakistan.
Bedari: Pakistan's First Crisis Center for Women
Bedari swiftly emerged as a beacon of hope, becoming the first Crisis Center in Pakistan dedicated to assisting women facing various forms of violence. Through its comprehensive programs and services, Bedari provided critical support and resources to empower women and address the root causes of violence in society.
Championing Women's Issues in Folklore and Development
Throughout her illustrious career, Fouzia Saeed has been a steadfast advocate for women’s rights, particularly within the realms of folklore, development, and social change.
Early Career at Lok Virsa Museum
Saeed commenced her career as the Deputy Director Research at the Pakistan National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, also known as Lok Virsa Museum. In this role, she spearheaded a folklore research program, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the institute’s folklore archives and library. Her pioneering research efforts delved into various aspects of folklore, with a particular focus on the experiences of women. Notably, her initial research in 1991 centered on women in folk theatre, laying the groundwork for her subsequent explorations in the field.
Contributions to Folklore Documentation
One of Saeed’s notable contributions is the book “Forgotten Faces: Daring Women of the Pakistani Folk Theatre,” published in collaboration with Lok Virsa in 2011. Through captivating narratives, she chronicled the lives of female performers in Punjabi folk theatre, offering poignant insights into their experiences and challenges. The book received acclaim for its portrayal of these stage stars as real women grappling with adversity.
Taboo: Shedding Light on Prostitution
Saeed’s book “Taboo: The Hidden Culture of a Red Light District” stands as a groundbreaking ethnography capturing the traditional systems of prostitution in Pakistan. By juxtaposing the culture of prostitutes with mainstream society, Saeed offers a compelling reflection on gender relations in Pakistan. The book garnered widespread acclaim, particularly among young English-speaking Pakistanis, and has been translated into multiple languages.
Contributions to Folk Performance Arts
Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Saeed has actively contributed to the revival of Pakistani folk performance arts. Through her involvement with various organizations, she has played a pivotal role in revitalizing traditional forms of folk entertainment. Her dedication to preserving cultural heritage extends to her personal pursuits, as she is also a skilled folk dancer.
Reviving Manganhar Folk Singing
In collaboration with the Folklore Society of Pakistan, Saeed played a crucial role in re-establishing the Manganhar folk singing genre, which was on the brink of extinction in Pakistan. Her efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding and promoting Pakistan’s rich folk traditions for future generations.
Influence in Electronic Media: Shaping Social Discourse
Fouzia Saeed’s impact extends beyond academia and activism to her significant presence in electronic media, where she has been a pioneering figure since 1977.
Early Engagement with Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV)
Saeed’s journey in electronic media commenced in 1977 when she became one of the first female television news announcers on Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) from Peshawar. This marked the beginning of her influential career in media, even as a college student.
Return to PTV and Television Hosting
Upon completing her studies in the US and returning to Pakistan in 1987, Saeed re-engaged with PTV, hosting various programs that delved into social and cultural issues. Notably, she hosted four different television series of talk shows including “Hum Qadam,” “Bholi hui hun dastan,” “New Horizons,” and “Rishtay,” totaling approximately 50 programs. Additionally, she has hosted numerous live transmissions and special programs on various occasions, showcasing her versatility and breadth of knowledge.
Commentary on Political and Social Issues
Saeed’s expertise in political and social matters has led to her role as a commentator on PTV and other channels, providing valuable insights and analysis on pertinent issues facing Pakistan and the wider world.
Addressing Anti-Talibanization through Television
In October 2009, Saeed launched a television program titled “Ye Kon Log Hen?” (Who Are These People?), focusing on anti-Talibanization efforts. The program ran for three months and formed part of her broader agenda to counter the influence of terrorists in vulnerable communities. Saeed organized a significant gathering of citizens at the National Library to strategize against Talibanization in Pakistan, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots mobilization and civic engagement.
Advocacy for Constitutional Amendment and Counter-Narratives
In 2010, Saeed rallied citizen support for a constitutional amendment formalizing local government as a third tier of state administration, aligning with her agenda for counter-narratives against extremism and terrorism. Her multifaceted approach to addressing social issues extends to her work at Lok Virsa, where she continues to champion cultural preservation and community empowerment.