Social activist Krishna Kumari, who made waves earlier this year by becoming the first Hindu Thari woman to make it to the Senate, has once again done so by joining 99 other women on the BBC’s 100 list of inspirational and influential women for 2018.
The list includes the names of vice-chair of the Clinton Foundation, Chelsea Clinton, actress Jamila Jamil, FGM (female genital mutilation) activist Nimco Ali, and author Isabel Allende.
Kumari said she is very happy about making it to the list along with such powerhouse women, who included former heads of state.
“I am from the Kohli community, from a poor family, and I believe it is my good luck that I have made it to such an important list to represent Pakistan,” she said. “My parents don’t know yet as the network isn’t working in their area, but I will try to send them a message about it.”
The 40-year-old hails from the remote village of Dhana Gam in Nagarparkar.
She was selected as a candidate on a reserved seat for women (from Sindh) by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in March.
Born on Feb 1, 1979, the senator had a tough childhood.
She along with her family was held for three years as bonded labour in a private prison allegedly owned by a landlord in the Kunri area of Umerkot district.
They were set free after a police raid on the farm.
She started her primary education initially from Talhi village of Umerkot district and then the Tando Kolachi area of Mirpurkhas district.
Her parents facilitated her and her brother Veerji’s studies and academic activities despite their hardship.
Last year, singer Momina Mustehsan made it to the list.
Now in its sixth year, the BBC 100 Women names 100 influential and inspirational women around the world annually.
According to its website, the BBC 100 Women aims to explore a variety of themes, including using anger to spark action, and uncovering women from the shadows of history.
Ranging in age from 15 to 94, and from more than 60 countries, the BBC 100 Women list includes leaders, trailblazers and everyday heroes.
Krishna Kumari: I believe it is my good luck that I have made it to such an important list to represent Pakistan.
