ZOHA MALIK SHER
“I studied every paper sent from the different Secretaries or Senators and tried to digest and present in tabloid form the things that, despite my vigilance, had to go to the President. I, myself, never made a single decision regarding the disposition of public affairs. The only decision that was mine was what was important and what was not, and the very important decision of when to present matters to my husband”
Those were the words of the First Lady of United States of America, Edith Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, also dubbed as “America’s first female President” after her husband suffered a stroke in 1919.
The role of First Lady has changed overtimes and has become more influential. The earlier first ladies were merely the elite public figures with no impact on politics but still had managed to share the burden with their husbands. America’s fourth First Lady Dolly Madison, refined the role of First Lady and most importantly saved the national treasures including the original draft of “Declaration of Independence” when British captured the capital in 1812, making her a national hero. Ronald Reagan’s wife Nancy Reagan was known for her glamour but made significant contribution towards arts and against drug addiction. In the same way Lady Bird Johnson worked for the “Highway Beautification Act” and also supported 1964’s Civil Right Acts. Jacqueline F. Kennedy, one of the youngest First Ladies handled her post and was applauded for the restoration of White House. Rosalynn Carter wife of thirty ninth President of America, Jimmy Carter became politically active unlike many of the former First Ladies by attending Cabinet Meetings and also acted as an advisor of her husband. Betty Fort also worked for social causes just as drug addiction, abortions, gun control and had remained active in feminist movement. After leaving White House she founded Betty Fort Center to help people overcome chemical dependency. Well renowned politician Hilary Clinton, during her tenure as the First Lady was also known as the “Clinton’s co President” and became the first First Lady to run a public office when she ran for Senate. She later became Barack Obama’s Secretary of State. She further contested the US Presidential Elections 2016. Michael Obama was also looked upon as a role model for her support to her husband and for being the first African-American First Lady. Her most enduring Contributions included Poverty Awareness and Childhood Obesity.
Pakistan has also shown First Ladies as Begum Rana Liaqat Ali Khan, a prominent figure of Pakistan’s history who not only gave her services during Pakistan Movement but also played an important role after its creation. In 1942, when it became apparent that Imperial Japan was near attacking India, Jinnah asked Begum Rana “Be prepared to train the women. Islam doesn’t want women to be shut up and never see fresh air”. Rana started to organize Muslim women and formed a small volunteer medical corps for nursing and first aid in Delhi. As a first Lady she initiated reforms regarding women and children thus emphasizing the role of women in politics and social work to the hilt. Begum Nusrat Bhutto was another glamourized First Lady who accompanied her husband and voiced for women rights through party platforms. Her epic fight against dictatorship and sacrifices for her family is still memorized in millions of hearts.
The role of First Ladies has no more been ceremonial now, their speeches, work and support carry weightage and can play a part more than being hostesses. Their role has always been undermined in Pakistan as due a patriarchal society it is mostly considered undemocratic for a first Lady to be active and therefore First Ladies of Pakistan have always avoided politics or even being a public figure.
The positive role of First Ladies throughout the world have shown their importance and how they can work for the welfare of their state. We as a nation also need such First Ladies who can be influential and who not only keep their husbands grounded in the reality, but can also work for social progress, human rights and awareness programs.
Writer is Student of NDU.
