While a number of
empowered US women have crashed through the glass ceiling of leadership, odds
are that few women in underdeveloped countries will ever get a seat at any
table of leadership. So, how did our socially oppressive and backward “frenemy,”
Pakistan, produce and twice elect a female leader, Benazir Bhutto, years ago,
and ahead of a woman becoming president of the United States?
Bhutto, assassinated
five years ago when campaigning for a third term, was well connected as the
oldest child of a former prime minister. But, Pakistan is not a monarchy.
Undeniably, it was the character of ‘the iron lady,’ as she was known, and her
interpersonal and political savvy that made her appealing to both the
uneducated masses and intellectual elite of the typically repressive country.
For me, that Bhutto
led within an oppressive, male dominant society is something to be celebrated.
That she ultimately made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ fearlessly hammering against
the ruling regime’s glass ceiling, made her a heroine for women and lovers of
liberty, worldwide.
While her courage
inspires, her leadership qualities inform. Friend, speechwriter, and advisor
Mark Siegel produced the documentary "BHUTTO" in his way of teaching
the world about this fantastic woman and friend of his. Siegel received a 2012 Peabody
award as well as receiving nominations for an Emmy from his efforts in
producing this film.
I was incredibly
moved by the showing of this documentary and was further inspired by the
personal connection I was able to make with Dr. Siegel. This man has moved
mountains in and of itself. He is not only an exemplary foreign policy advisor
and political consultant, but teacher as well. By his ability to move out of
his personal loss to help others gain their own knowledge is awe-inspiring.
There is so much of Bhutto and Siegel’s work that
I have used as a guide in efforts of achieving my personal life goals. My big,
hairy, audacious goal of empowering women through the means of education seems
just a little more attainable thanks to these two incredible individuals.
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