Two Pakistani Women Shine Among BBC’s 100 Influential Women of 2023

Sabiha Rajpoot

In a year dominated by headlines of extreme weather and natural disasters, the BBC’s list of 100 inspiring and influential women for 2023 includes two remarkable Pakistani women, Afroze-Numa and Neha Mankani. The recognition spans diverse fields, featuring global figures such as Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney, Aitana Bonmatí, Timnit Gebru, Gloria Steinem, America Ferrera, and Huda Kattan.

Afroze-Numa: Preserving Centuries-Old Traditions in Pakistan’s Remote Shimal Valley

Afroze-Numa, a Wakhi shepherdess in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Shimal Valley, stands out for her invaluable contributions to the local community. For nearly three decades, she has cared for goats, yaks, and sheep, preserving a centuries-old tradition that is fading in Pakistan’s Shimshal valley. Each year, Afroze-Numa and fellow shepherdesses take their flocks to pastures 4,800m above sea level, contributing to the village’s prosperity and providing education for their children. The BBC applauds her dedication and the resilience of the community in the face of environmental challenges.

Neha Mankani: Providing Lifesaving Support in the Wake of Devastating Floods

Neha Mankani, another Pakistani woman on the list, demonstrated extraordinary humanitarian efforts during last year’s devastating floods. Through her charity, Mama Baby Fund, Mankani and her team distributed life-saving birthing kits and midwifery care to over 15,000 flood-affected families. Focused on low-resourced settings, emergency response, and climate-affected communities, Mama Baby Fund has raised sufficient funds to launch a boat ambulance. This innovative initiative will transport pregnant women in coastal communities to nearby hospitals and clinics for urgent treatment, emphasizing the vital role of midwives as both first responders and climate activists.