Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah: A Luminary in Politics and Literature
Begum Shaista Ikramullah was the first female member of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly in 1947. She later served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Morocco and was related by marriage to Jordan’s royal family.
A Trailblazer in Education and Diplomacy
Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah’s journey as a pioneering Bengali Pakistani politician, diplomat, and author is a testament to her remarkable contributions to society. Born on July 22, 1915, in the Suhrawardy family in West Bengal, she received her education in Calcutta and London. Despite the prevalent strict purdah in Muslim society during her time, her father, a prominent surgeon and politician, encouraged her studies, while her mother followed more traditional practices. She carved a unique path for herself and for future generations of women. Her academic achievements set her apart early on, becoming the first Muslim woman to secure a PhD from the prestigious University of London. This groundbreaking accomplishment in the early 20th century paved the way for Muslim women in academia and beyond.
Early Life and Education: Foundations of a Future Leader
The foundation of Ikramullah’s illustrious career was laid in her early years, born as Shaista Akhtar Banu Suhrawardy. Her lineage was notable, with her mother being the granddaughter of Nawab Abdul Latif. Her education at Loreto College, Kolkata, and her subsequent doctoral studies in London, where she wrote a critical survey on the “Development of the Urdu Novel and Short Story,” highlighted her intellectual prowess and her dedication to Urdu literature.
Marriage and Beyond: A Personal Journey
In 1933, Shaista’s personal life took a significant turn when she married Mohammed Ikramullah, at quite a young age. Her husband was a diplomat and served as Pakistan’s first Foreign Secretary. He encouraged her pursuit of modern education. She was the first Muslim woman to obtain a doctorate from the University of London in 1940. Her doctorate thesis “Development of the Urdu Novel and Short Story” was a critical survey of Urdu novel and short stories. She had four children, each of whom made their mark in various fields. Her marriage marked the beginning of a journey that saw Shaista stepping out of purdah, inspired by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and venturing into the political arena.
A Political Career of Firsts
Ikramullah’s political career was marked by a series of pioneering roles. She was among the first Indian Muslim women to actively participate in politics outside the confines of purdah. Her leadership roles in the Muslim Women Student’s Federation and the All-India Muslim League’s Women’s Sub-Committee were just the beginning. In 1945, her political acumen was recognized when she was invited by the Government of India to attend the Pacific Relations Conference, a role she ultimately declined on Jinnah’s advice to represent the Muslim League instead.
Her election to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946, although she never took her seat, and her participation as one of the two female representatives at the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in 1947, underscored her significant role in shaping the political landscape of the newly formed country.
Diplomatic and Literary Contributions
Ikramullah’s influence extended beyond the borders of Pakistan, serving as the ambassador to Morocco from 1964 to 1967 and representing Pakistan at the United Nations. Her work on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention Against Genocide highlighted her commitment to global human rights.
As an author, Ikramullah enriched Urdu and English literature with her writings. She contributed to Urdu women’s magazines and later to English-language newspapers. Her published works, including a collection of short stories, essays on Islam, and her autobiography “From Purdah to Parliament,” provide insights into the societal changes of her time and her personal journey through them.
She used to contribute regularly for the magazines “Tehzeeb-i-Niswan” and “Ismat”. “Koshish-i-Natamaam”, a volume comprised of short stories, “Safarnama” and “Dilli ki Begamat key Muhawarey” are her other works in Urdu.
Legacy and Recognition
Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah passed away on December 11, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual and political achievements. In recognition of her contributions, the President of Pakistan posthumously awarded her the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) in 2002, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women in politics, diplomacy, and literature.
Through her life and work, Begum Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah remains a beacon of inspiration, embodying the essence of determination, intellect, and commitment to societal advancement. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.