Maria Mehmood is a 20 years old student of Psychology, aspiring to change the socially constructed image of Muslims in the West. She happens to be a student of psychology, based in Birmingham. As a part of Miss England competition, the young model is the first ever participant to wear a Hijab and that too someone who made it to the semi-finals.

“Muslims are associated with negative things like terrorism. I’m determined to do my bit to challenge those views,” Maria told The Mirror.

“It’s pretty rare for a Muslim woman to be in a beauty pageant but there’s nothing to stop us entering. I entered Miss Birmingham and the organizers were delighted to have a hijab-wearing Muslim in the competition. They fast-tracked me through to the final where I competed against 30 girls and came second. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Even though her friends and family are constantly supporting her, she believes that the Muslim community at large is going to backlash her decision.

In an interview, she expressed:”When I came runner-up, they were delighted for me. I’ve got three brothers and they’ve also been so good. Most people have been supportive. There have been a few negative comments and I’m fully expecting some criticism from old-timers and conservatives. But what I’m doing is empowering for Muslim women. I’m anticipating most people will back me,” she added.

Interestingly, when asked about the swimmear round, she replied, “Obviously, “I’m not going to parade on stage in a bikini as that is going against my religion and beliefs. I’ll wear a burkini.”

The competition of Miss England semi-final would be held in Newark, Notts, in July. If Maria wins this title, she would be competing in the following Miss World Contest.

Mehmood also added: “In today’s society, we [Muslims] are not exactly loved because what is happening in the world.”

Looking forward to the finals! Send us your thoughts about this

Source: The Mirror

This isn’t the first time that something of the sort has happened, in fact, 1st April 2018 marked the third annual bike rally by Girls at Dhabas.

What is that exactly? It’s a movement by girls around Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi who stand to reclaim public spaces for women. The great open community happens to archive moments of achievements for themselves so it gives other women around the country, a will to learn and grow from one another’s experience.

Why bruh?

Because hamara mulk hai yaar! No, but basically to bring around more women to public spaces like streets, muhallas, dhabas, and have them do activities as such riding bikes which we don’t usually see. Yeah okay fine, once in a while but that’s it.

How:

No rocket science; Girls at Dhabas have three chapters; in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Their Facebook page keeps updating new events and meetups through which you can link up and become a part of the community.

When: Wherever whenever

Swipe through to check out #GirlsOnBikes take to the streets as they reclaim public spaces and normalise girls riding bicycles. Kudos to all the ladies who came out to support the initiative. pic.twitter.com/3vD31Avhn8

— Showbiz & News (@ShowbizAndNewz) April 1, 2018

Where: Not only are they on social media, but they also hold meetings where you can get to interact with peeps. It’s a casual gathering about sharing experiences and inspiring others around.

 Kya Scene Hai: Yesterday, amazing Islamabadis gathered around the haunted hill for their annual rally:

“So we do this bicycle rally every year. This was the third annual rally. It’s a protest against harassment on the street and also, a reclamation of the roads rolled into one. Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad chapters of GAD all held their respective rallies yesterday.” says, Hajira Asaf Khan who happens to be a member of GAD. “Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad chapters of GAD all held their respective rallies yesterday. We had around 70 participants in Islamabad. Had to break it up into two groups because the turnout was out of the roof! We also had women of different races, religious and socio-economic background and very diverse profession join in.”

Kudos to our girls, taking the initiative to defy patriarchy. #Girlsonbikes take it to the streets to break the stereotypes and normalise girls riding bicycles!
: @girlsatdhabas #girlpower #GIRLSCANDOANYTHING #woman #Womania #girlsrule #Pakistani #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/6os4JxybM0

— Piñata (@atPinata) April 1, 2018

From the first woman prime minister of the country to fighter pilots doing us proud, the women of Pakistan have also set examples for everyone who says, “women can’t”. We’re a nation who has had women representing Pakistan in the most respectable way. Oscar Winner- Sharmeen Obaid Chinnoy, Microsoft Certified Professional, Arfa Karim, Foreign Minister- Hina Rabbani Khar, Top Athlete- Naseem Hameed, Top Mountaineer- Samina Baig, and the list goes on and on. Be it any age group or profession, we have always learned things from our women.

Beyonce was totally ON POINT when she said, “Who run the world? Girls!” Be it Amreeka or Pakistan, women around the world have always proven to be skillful, terrific, magnificent, and doers-n0-matter-what.

Source: buzzfeed.com

Things you didn’t know about General Nigar Johar

Pakistan Army made a proficient Two-Star General, Nigar Johar. She happens to be the third woman officer in the history of our country to achieve this prestigious rank of Major General. The other two Major General, Shahida Badsha and Shahida Malik who also belong to the Army Medical Corps.

Source: dawn.com

Born into a military family, Gen Johar has served the Pakistan Army as a Doctor, rising from Army Medical College. Her excellence and diligence helped her reach this reputable stature, that too in a field which is usually male-dominant in our country.  She was also formerly appointed as the Deputy Commandant of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi.

In an interview, Gen. Johar expresses her gratitude, “Pakistan is my country and I was born here. I was raised here and I think there is no match to Pakistan to anywhere in the world,” while adding, “Think of all the Muslim countries, think of all those developing nations. This is the only country which has had female general officers. No one else did,” she added.Source: defence.pk

This is an example for all Pakistanis pursuing their dreams of achieving career goals. Moreover, it also gives us a moment to ponder over the importance of education of our children especially girls. Nothing is impossible, our lady generals have proved it right. We salute our pride!