Balochistan's women are not just survivors—they are architects of change
From activism to sports, Balochistan's women are reshaping their province's future despite ongoing struggles.
While Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and most resource-rich province, continues to grapple with systemic challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, a wave of trailblazing women is rewriting the narrative.
From climate activism to literary acclaim, sports to political leadership, Balochistan's women are emerging as global role models while addressing grassroots struggles.
Zuneera Qayyum, a 14-year-old girl from Hub, Balochistan, is working as an emerging advocate for environmental issues, in addition to promoting literacy among girls. A few weeks prior, UNICEF nominated her as a 'Youth Advocate for Girls' in both fields.
Moreover, in a groundbreaking effort to combat illiteracy, a collective of Baloch women launched the 'Camel Library' in 2022—the world's first mobile library on camelback—delivering books to over 15 remote villages in the Makran and Chagai regions. The project, praised by UNESCO, has reached 3,000 children, 60% of whom are girls.
Alishba Khan Barech, from Nushki, Balochistan, has been named a finalist for the 2025 'Women Changing the World Awards.' Recognized for her contributions to literature, advocacy, and youth empowerment, Barech is in the running for the Young Woman of the Year Award.
The global awards, led by Dr. Tererai Trent, celebrate women driving positive change worldwide. Barech, the youngest novelist and memoirist, wrote her debut novel at 11 and began her memoir at 14, aiming to reshape narratives about her hometown. The awards inspire women to unite and create a better future.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marang Baloch, a human rights advocate, was named among the BBC's 100 Women 2024 for her work documenting enforced disappearances.
Young athletes from Balochistan's Hazara community are making waves globally. Girls from the Hazara community won gold medals in the Asian Taekwondo Championships, while a Hazara woman became Pakistan's first female boxer to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Jalila Hyder is a prominent name from the Hazara community, advocating for human rights. She has been practicing law at the Balochistan Bar Council for seven years.
Moreover, Samia Hafeez, a finalist for the Thomson Foundation's Young Journalist of the Year Award, is also from Balochistan.
Sami Deen Baloch, a social activist, was awarded the International Women of Courage Award in 2024.
A coalition of women leaders, including Comrade Sumaria Anka (labor rights activist) and Mahe Jhori Jamali ( politician) with zero percent formal education, is spearheading a peaceful political movement demanding equitable resource distribution and gender-sensitive legislation.
Jhal Magsi's Lal Khatoon, a former schoolteacher, has organized a network of 200 women to run solar-powered literacy centers.
Similarly, women from different regions of the province, including Falak Naz, Mahrya Mahmood Khosa, Naik Parveen, Zartaj Shah Khan, Anjuman Haider from Sohbatpur, Hameeda Noor, Lal Khatoon, Noor Jahan Mehmon from Jatpat, Parveen Meer, Zika Jamali from Ustad Muhammad, Munaria Bibi, Rehmat Qadar Mangal, Dr. Zainab Al-Nisa Magsi from Jahal Magsi, Hameeda Fahda Hasan, Sadia Fahda Hasan, Yasmeen Lahdi (X-MPA) from Kech (Bolan), and Comrade Sumaria Anka and Mahe Jhori Jamali from Zamehma, are playing pivotal roles in the province in different sociopolitical spaces for the betterment of their community.
Baloch women are increasingly shaping policy and governance. When we look at the current cabinet, women hold key positions: Rehila Durrani is the education minister, and the deputy speaker is also a woman.
Despite progress, 90% of Balochistan's women remain out of the formal workforce, and female literacy stands at just 25%. Activists stress the need for infrastructure investment and security reforms, particularly for Hazara and rural communities.
The provincial government needs to enhance women's access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Establishing more schools and vocational training centers for women can empower them with skills and knowledge, while the government needs to take healthcare initiatives and focus on maternal and reproductive health.
Encouraging women's participation in local governance and decision-making processes can amplify their voices.
Additionally, creating safe spaces and legal support systems to combat gender-based violence is crucial. Microfinance programs and small business grants should be provided by the government to help women achieve financial independence.
Community awareness campaigns to challenge cultural norms and promote gender equality are also essential for long-term change, which the Balochistan government should take steps toward.
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