Begum Jan

Begum Jan at the International Women of Courage Awards In Washington DC, 2008

Begum Jan (Urdu: بیگم جان) is a doctor and the founder of the Tribal Women Welfare Association, which educates tribal women in Northwest Pakistan about their rights, and gives them medical training.[1][2][3][4] She grew up in South Waziristan, a conservative area of Pakistan, but her father encouraged her to become a doctor.[4] She attended a school for boys as a child because there was no school for girls, and when her tribal elders forbid her to attend high school she studied with a tutor instead.[3]

In 2007, at a nationwide women's protest against clerics advocating suicide bombings and other violence, Jan led the Tribal Women Welfare Association's protest.[5] As of 2008 she is the Tribal Women Welfare Association's chairwoman.[6]

She received a 2008 International Women of Courage Award, making her the first Pakistani woman to receive that award.[2][3]

References

  1. ^ "Women From 8 Countries Honored". KOLD. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  2. ^ a b Iqbal, Anwar (11 March 2008). "Fata woman receives courage award".
  3. ^ a b c "International Women of Courage Award Ceremony: 2008". 2001-2009.state.gov. 10 March 2008.
  4. ^ a b Kathy Cannon (January 24, 1997). "Pakistan gives vote to tribal men—and women". The Deseret News. Associated Press – via Google News Archive.
  5. ^ "IIP Publications -". IIP Publications.
  6. ^ "Women From 8 Countries Honored". 11 March 2008.