Mahnaz Rahman
Mahnaz Rahman مہناز رحمان | |
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| Born | Mahnaz Rahman 16 June 1949 Karachi, Pakistan |
| Known for | Writing, Women's Rights Activism |
Mahnaz Rahman (Urdu: مہناز رحمان ) (born 16 June 1949) is a Pakistani journalist, writer, and women's rights activist.[1] A former socialist leader in the National Students Federation (NSF), she received China's "Friendship Award" for her "outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress".[2]
Personal life
Mahnaz Rahman, born in Karachi in 1949, studied at Karachi University, where she joined the National Students Federation (NSF). She became the first female vice president of the Economics Society in the largest department at the University at the time, after winning an election on the NSF platform.[3]
Journalistic career
After graduation, Rahman joined Daily Musawat Karachi,[4] working in the magazine section with editor Ahfazur Rahman, whom she later married. Together, they actively participated in the movement against Zia-ul-Haq's dictatorship.[5] Following Musawat's closure, she worked at Weekly Mehvar and later at Daily Amn.[4]
In China
In 1985, Rahman moved to China with her family due to her husband's blacklisting, staying there until 1993. During this time, she wrote two regular columns, "Letters from China" for Daily Jang and "Letters from Beijing" for Weekly Akhbar-e-Jahan. She also translated several works of Chinese literature into Urdu. In 1991, the Chinese government honoured her with the Friendship Award (China) for her "outstanding contributions to the country's economic and social progress."[6][7]
Advocacy in Pakistan
After returning to Pakistan, Rahman joined various NGOs and later served nearly 20 years at the Aurat Foundation, including as Resident Director Sindh. During her tenure, the organization advocated for and contributed to implementing several laws and safeguards for women.[4] She is also an active member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).[8]
Activism
- Activism for Freedom of Speech including provincial rights [9]
- Activism for women's rights in particular pro-women legislation[10]
- Journalists trade union activities including taking part in freedom of press movements[5]
In newspapers as
- Foreign Expert, China Pictorial, Beijing 1990-1993
- Assistant Editor Daily Amn, 1982-1985
- Assistant Editor, Weekly Mehvar 1979-1982
- Sub Editor Daily Musawaat, 1973-77
See also
References
- ↑ "'Mahnaz Rahman: "Rahman: "The West thinks we are all terrorists, but it is the US's fault""". www.elnacional.cat. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ↑ "'Mahnaz Rahman: "We suffer ups and downs in the struggle for gender equality in Pakistan"". laindependent.cat. 11 May 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ↑ "'Sach: Mahnaz Rahman, Page 11: "My Personal Composite Heritage"" (PDF). isd.net.in. February 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- 1 2 3 "'A Word with Mahnaz Rahman'" (PDF). af.org.pk. June 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- 1 2 "'Remembering Ahfaz ur Rahman""". www.thenew.com.pk. 19 April 2020. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ↑ "'Mahnaz Rahman"". womenpower50.com. August 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ↑ "'Event on Women's Rights"". opp-platform.com. 28 March 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2025.
- ↑ "'HRCP Human Rights Day"". hrcp-web.org. December 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ↑ "'HRCP, civil society urge govt to immediately address 'human rights crises' afflicting country'". dawn.com. 27 March 2025. Retrieved 28 March 2025.
- ↑ "'Aurat Foundations Mahnaz Rahman narrates Pakistani womens struggles at international conference'". geo.tv. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2025.