I do not fall in the category of a
traditional politician. My entry into politics was totally acceidental. My former education is masters
and M.Phil in English Literature. Later I worked as an instructor
in Fatima Jinnah University for Women. But my evolution into
a reformist and activist was more when I worked as a journalist
as part of Daily Khabrain Team. As a working journalist I developed
an exposure and an insight into the social mechanisms of our
society. As a journalist I learnt to question power structures,
understand the regressive cultural and social ideologies and
understanding the problems of people at the grass root level.
It was a serious learning experience that made me comprehend
a society that suffers at the hands of ignorance, bigotry
and despotism. I also developed a strong awareness and sensitivity
to the violence against women: its kinds and its causes. The
ratio and the degree of violence against women and children;
the oppression and the discrimination they face as an under
privileged class.
My decision to enter politics became
a deliberate compulsion. For me politics is an attempt to
improve the condition of humanity. I believe politics is the
way of reform: reformation of systems, ideologies and the
mechanisms of social and cultural structures. It can bring improvement by guiding, indicating and influencing government
and the policy-making institutions. Reform is an alternate
vision of politics. It is developing of a better course of
action. It is about developing a way of improvement by change
or removal of faults and abuses in our system. It is about
abandoning degenerative and regressive attitudes. It is a
way to create better ideals. Ideals that will help people
to co-exist, co-develop and co-create for a more civilized
world. Reform is to become changed for the better. So more
than traditional politics, I believe in reformative politics:
I believe in change and the individual’s power to contribute
and change. And with this vision, I carry on with my work.
Humaira Awais Shahid
MPA, Punjab (2002-2007)
W-351, (member elected on reserved seats)
National Alliance |
