Pakistan’s ‘Iron Lady’ is leading the fight for a more just future for all

When she was 21, Mazari was severely injured in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Despite the enormous challenges she faced, she continued on her path to become a prominent artist whose work has been shown in many prestigious galleries around the world, an international motivational speaker, a humanitarian activist, an advocate for disability rights, the first disabled Pakistani television presenter, a fashion model, and a goodwill ambassador for UN Women in Pakistan.

In an interview with UN News, Mazari shared her extraordinary journey of resilience and determination, her refusal to let her disability define her identity, and her vision for a truly inclusive society.

Details of the dialogue are below.

Muniba Mazari: I learned that if you have the courage to face challenges, if you are persistent and persistently strive to make a difference for yourself and others around you, barriers turn into bridges, and adversity turns into opportunities.

My appointment is an advocate for Sustainable development goals It is a great honor, because, as a woman who has used a wheelchair for 17 years, I know exactly what it feels like to be discriminated against, belittled, questioned, and then later told that you are not good enough.

I have realized that if you have the passion to do things, people open doors and accept your determination and passion. I’ve always done this. I will remain the voice of the marginalized, not because they do not have a voice, but because they have no platform that enables them to express it.

People with disabilities around the world face these problems and biases. They are often marginalized. They are often neglected and unheard, whether in classrooms, in the workplace, in leadership roles, and unfortunately, even in homes. As an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, it is my responsibility to represent them.

UN News: You stated that inclusion is a basic human right, not a charitable act. What do you think a truly inclusive society looks like, and what barriers still need to be overcome?

Muniba Mazari: Many believe that inclusion means compassion for people with limited abilities. We have to understand that an inclusive society must have an inclusive mindset free of biases, classifications and judgements. It is impossible to build an inclusive society if we judge people by their appearance. For me, inclusion means accepting people as they are with their beliefs, respecting them and ensuring that no one feels left out.

An inclusive society is one in which people are not categorized simply because they are different or unique, but rather one in which everyone feels seen, heard and welcome. I hope we will achieve this dream one day.

UN News: Emphasized the importance of having male allies in the fight for gender equality. What kind of support do you think men can provide?

Muniba Mazari: Men cannot succeed without women, and women cannot succeed without men. We cannot fight each other. We have to fight for each other and work together as a team.

My son knows that his mother does not cook, but she works all day and is passionate about her work, helping many people through her work. If we really want to see a difference, we have to raise our children in an inclusive environment.

When we talk about giving women their rights, it is as if we are asking men to give us their rights so that we can succeed. This is not true. We do not take rights away from men and give them to women. The issue is that men do not have to demand their basic rights. While we need their support to stand with us, abandon many of the concepts they were raised on, and relearn and realize that men and women must work together to grow and excel.

UN News: How do you use art and storytelling as a tool for social change?

Muniba Mazari: Creative expression is very necessary, especially in light of the enormous amount of sadness, darkness, and pain spreading in the world. Art has the power to heal and change people, and this is the best way to connect with them on a deeper human level.

During my personal journey, art was my lifeline, my safe haven through which I could be myself and express myself. We need more artists because the world needs more healing.

UN News: What are the biggest challenges facing achieving gender equality in Pakistan today, and how can we overcome them?

Muniba Mazari: We have to raise our children equally. Biases are so ingrained that we don’t even consider them bias. Cooking and cleaning are basic life skills, not gender roles, but if a man does the laundry, people make fun of him. My brother does this at my house. He cooks whenever he wants, but I don’t cook because I don’t want to. My son finds this completely normal.

We have done a great job raising strong girls, who know how to find the way and take initiative. But what about boys who don’t know what to do when they see a successful woman? They will feel afraid and threatened.

I think it’s important to raise strong men. My definition of a strong man is very simple: he is a man who does not feel threatened when he sees a woman succeed or excel in her career.

UN News: What are the most pressing gaps you see in disability rights and accessibility?

Moniba Mazari: Lack of acceptance and lack of access (in relation to disability).

I remember when I started my career as an artist and TV presenter, I was told: “You are a woman in a wheelchair in Pakistan, and things are going to be difficult. You will be the first to do all this.” I remember saying to myself: I may be the first, but I will not be the last, because what I am doing now is paving the way for many who will come after me.

I have seen a change in mindsets; It’s been a long way and there’s still a long way to go, but let’s start accepting people as they are and giving them the right to go out and live life to the fullest.