Every religion curbs women rights to some extent. Some countries acted against religions and put a ban on wearing hijab, which was also a violation of human rights.
The interaction between human rights campaigners from Pakistan and India was a big taboo in the 1980s. When we started traveling to India to increase people-to-people contact between the two nations, we knew that we would face serious repercussions back home.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the bravery required to challenge societal taboos around human rights discussions between Pakistan and India.
Asma Jahangir reflects on the significant social and political challenges faced by human rights activists when attempting to bridge the divide between Pakistan and India in a period marked by hostility and prejudice. Their initiative to foster dialogue and connections across borders was not only a courageous endeavor but also a necessary step towards human rights advocacy, despite knowing the potential backlash they might face in their home countries.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a conference on international relations, one might quote Asma Jahangir to underscore the importance of dialogue in conflict resolution.
More from Asma Jahangir
All quotes →There have always been difficult situations for activists in Pakistan. In the 1960s, people fought for linguistic and ethnic rights in relation to the Bangladesh movement and the struggle of the people in the western Balochistan province.
We are so resilient as a people. I have so much respect for their dignity and courage. I hope the world sees this side of Pakistan, one where professionals want a democracy. The spirit of our intelligentsia cannot be broken.
In 1986, Pakistan got the blasphemy law. So, while we had just two cases of blasphemy before that year, now we have thousands. It shows that one should be careful while bringing religion into legislation, because the law itself can become an instrument of persecution.
I'm not fearful for myself, because I've seen adversity, and I can see it again. But I feel very upset and anguished when I see images of young lawyers beaten up.
Duplicity in matters of religion is not confined to Pakistan, but it hurts the most in societies where debate on religion is asphyxiated and preachers of hate have become keepers of faith.
Similar quotes
The preservation of peace and the guaranteeing of man's basic freedoms and rights require courage and eternal vigilance: courage to speak and act - and if necessary, to suffer and die - for truth and justice; eternal vigilance, that the least transgression of international morality shall not go undetected and unremedied.
If they hadn’t tried to break me down, I wouldn’t know that I’m unbreakable.
I was always afraid of dying. Always. It was my fear that made me learn everything I could about my airplane and my emergency equipment, and kept me flying respectful of my machine and always alert in the cockpit.
The person who runs away exposes himself to that very danger more than a person who sits quietly.
Homophobia hurts our league. Racism hurts it. Sexism hurts it.
Mental toughness is Spartanism, with all its qualities of self-denial, sacrifice, dedication, fearlessness, and love.