Najma Sadeque, a prominent figure from Pakistan, was a multifaceted individual who excelled as a leading woman journalist, author, human rights activist with a focus on women’s rights, artist, environmentalist, and painter. Her extensive work included research on socioeconomic issues, leading to the authorship of numerous books and articles. In 1975, she co-founded Shirkat Gah, a women’s NGO aimed at spotlighting human rights violations against women. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) in Pakistan.
Early Life and Education
Najma Sadeque, born in 1943 in Bengal, British India, experienced her formative years in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), surrounded by the influences of land farming that would shape her future worldview. Her educational journey led her to the Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka, where she distinguished herself for her exceptional proficiency in writing in English.
Artistic Beginnings
Following her marriage, Sadeque made the move to Karachi, where she initially delved into the advertising industry as a copywriter. Demonstrating her diverse talents, she held her first art exhibition in Karachi at the age of 19, marking the commencement of her artistic endeavors.
Journalistic Ventures
As her career evolved, Sadeque transitioned into the realm of journalism. Her journey began with contributions to Dawn and later extended to include roles at The News and The News International. Through her work in the media, she showcased versatility and a keen understanding of various aspects of communication.
Najma Sadeque’s early life and professional journey reflect a dynamic fusion of artistic expression and a commitment to effective communication through the written word.
Championing Human Rights and Women's Empowerment
In response to the alarming human rights violations prevalent in Pakistan during 1975, Najma Sadeque, joined by seven others, took a bold step by establishing the non-governmental organization (NGO) Shirkat Gah. This initiative aimed to address and raise awareness about the pressing human rights concerns within the nation.
Advocacy in the Face of Legal Injustices
In 1981, Sadeque founded the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) in Pakistan, a response to the oppressive laws impacting women’s rights enacted during the presidency of General Zia-ul-Haq. This dynamic organization became a formidable force in advocating for the rights of women and challenging discriminatory legislation.
Media Impact and Pioneering Journalism
Sadeque’s influence extended to the realm of media, where she played a crucial role in launching “WE – a weekly magazine” for The News. This publication later transformed into “The News on Friday” and subsequently evolved into “The News on Sunday,” covering a broad spectrum of topics. Following her tenure at The News, Sadeque transitioned into freelance journalism, contributing to various newspapers, including The News. Her focus remained on shedding light on issues related to human rights, gender equality, and environmental concerns.
Dedication to Activism
After parting ways with mainstream journalism, Sadeque devoted the majority of her time to advancing the missions of Shirkat Gah and WAF. Her commitment to promoting these organizations reflected her unwavering dedication to human rights, gender issues, and environmental advocacy.
Najma Sadeque’s impactful journey illustrates her unwavering commitment to addressing societal issues through both media platforms and grassroots activism.
Legacy and Final Moments
Tragically, Najma Sadeque’s journey came to an end on 8 January 2015 in Karachi due to renal failure and chest congestion at the age of 72. In a heartfelt obituary, her daughter, Deneb Sumbul, a producer of documentaries, paid tribute to her remarkable mother, acknowledging Sadeque’s myriad roles as an activist, journalist with over 35 years of experience, and a founding member of WAF. Sumbul highlighted her mother’s ceaseless commitment to various causes and her endless stream of innovative ideas and perspectives.
Lasting Words
In her final article published in “You magazine” of The News, Sadeque left a poignant message: “Activists have to boost women’s courage to exercise their vote accordingly. It has everything to do with human rights and democracy. Start talking.” These words encapsulated her enduring dedication to the principles of human rights, democracy, and empowering women even in her last moments, leaving behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire those who follow in her footsteps. Najma Sadeque’s impact on journalism, activism, and advocacy for women’s rights is a testament to her enduring influence.
Prolific Authorship and Scholarly Pursuits
Najma Sadeque, driven by a passion for in-depth research and a commitment to shedding light on critical issues, authored numerous influential books and articles. Among her notable works are titles such as “How They Run Pakistan,” “How They Run the World,” “How They Kill the World,” “Financial Terrorism,” and “Ground Realities.” These publications showcased her analytical prowess and dedication to exploring complex socio-economic and geopolitical dynamics.
Her impact extended beyond national borders, with her articles finding a place in various international publications and books. This global recognition underscored the universal relevance of her insights and the importance of her contributions to global discourse on pressing issues.
Unfinished Endeavors
At the time of her untimely death, Sadeque was actively engaged in the editing process of the English translation of her mother, Dr. Syeda Fatima Sadeque’s work on the Quran. This endeavor highlighted her commitment to preserving and disseminating knowledge, even in the face of her own health challenges. Sadeque’s legacy as a prolific writer, researcher, and editor serves as a testament to her enduring intellectual impact on diverse fields.