Mukhtaran Mai is a survivor of a gang rape incident that took place in 2002.This woman of courage has been requested to be a part of the ramp at Fashion Pakistan Week-2016 and she will associated with Rozina Munib on this grand and huge occasion.As for Mukhtaran Mai,she has taken it upon herself to propagate and spread the message of education for all using the medium of fashion and media.
“I am walking the ramp to spread awareness about the struggles women go through. This is for the women in my society, it is for those who have no one and no place to go to,” Mukhtaran told the media.
The Mukhtar Mai Women’s Shelter Home was set up in the year 2006,and provides protection and shelter to women who are subjected to violence or have no shelter.
In reply to a querry about her reason for choosing the fashion platform Mukhtaran Bibi gave a warmth oriented response. She graciously said, “All that I do, I do it for my children and women. This is for them. I can’t do this alone hence I found an anchor in the media to help spread my message.”
“Jinka koi nahi hota unka Allah hota hai, aur main sirf zariya banna chahti hoon.” [Those who don’t have anyone, have Allah. I just want to be able to provide them with what they deserve and more.]
The shelter home is located in Mukhtaran’s hometown, Meerwala.
The shelter home has the capacity to provide shelter and daily necessities like food, clothing and daily commodities for those in dire need and without any support otherwise.Besides this the team at the shelter home ensures that legal assistance is available for the women who cannot afford lawyer hiring.Added to that are facilities such as long-term support, medical and psychological counselling for women, who face victimisation.This ensures that the shaken up ones become mentally sound.
Moreover, Mukhtaran Mai’s Women Organisation also has a Women’s Resource Centre and a Girls Model School which gives girls access to quality education.
When Mukhtaran Mai walks the ramp ,her motives might be the subject of criticism ,but then what has to be understood is that she lends support and gives strength to women who have been thrashed by society and their mear ones.And there is so much weight in her feelings when she says “When I see my girls passing matriculation examinations, attending universities, I feel like everything I have worked for is worth the salt. Meray bachay aur meri behnain mera rang hain".
Mukhtaran Mai to walk the ramp for Fashion Designer Rozina Munib at Fashion Pakistan Week W/F 2016 in Karachi
