Zahida Shaikh (1961–2018) was a trailblazing activist, intellectual, and a revolutionary leader who spent her life championing women’s rights, racial equality, and Sindh’s autonomy
(In remembrance of her on her 7th death anniversary)
By Ramesh Raja
Zahida Shaikh (1961–2018) was a trailblazing activist, intellectual, and a revolutionary leader who spent her life championing women’s rights, racial equality, and Sindh’s autonomy. Born in a modest middle-class family in the town of Kamber-Shahdadkot, she defied societal norms to carve her path as a relentless advocate for the oppressed. Her unwavering commitment to justice, grassroots activism, and transformative politics cemented her place as one of the most influential figures in Pakistan’s socio-political history.
Early Life and Defiance of Norms
From an early age, Zahida Shaikh displayed a remarkable sense of purpose and courage. Educated in a boys’ school—a rarity for girls in rural Sindh—she went on to earn a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of Sindh. Her formative years were marked by her defiance of restrictive customs and her embrace of education as a tool for empowerment.
Her activism began with the Sindhi Shagrid Tehreek, the student wing of the Awami Tehreek (AT), where she rose to lead the Sindh Girls’ Student Organization. She later took the helm of the Sindhiyani Tehreek, the women’s wing of AT, where she would go on to make history by mobilizing thousands of women in Sindh’s struggle for justice and equality.
A Revolutionary Life of Activism
Zahida’s activism was deeply rooted in her belief in the power of grassroots movements to bring about social change. She spearheaded historic long marches across Sindh, covering hundreds of kilometers to demand justice for women and water rights for the province. These marches galvanized support from women across rural Sindh, encouraging them to challenge traditional power structures and patriarchal norms.
One of Zahida’s most significant contributions was her fight against regressive practices like Karo-Kari and the use of women as compensation in tribal feuds. Through her activism, she inspired families to educate their daughters and empowered women to participate in public life.
She also led movements against exploitative development projects such as the Kalabagh Dam and the Greater Thal Canal, which threatened Sindh’s water rights. Her leadership forced the Musharraf regime to abandon its plans for the Kalabagh Dam, a victory celebrated by many across Sindh.
The Sindhiyani Tehreek: Empowering Marginalized Women
Under Zahida’s leadership, the Sindhiyani Tehreek became one of the most influential women’s political organizations in Sindh. Known as the “long-haired political army,” the movement united women from Sindh’s poorest villages, giving them a platform to demand their rights. Zahida’s work with Sindhiyani Tehreek demonstrated her ability to transcend social barriers and mobilize women on an unprecedented scale.
Her efforts ensured that rural women not only participated in political life but also became catalysts for progressive change. The movement’s legacy endures as a symbol of grassroots empowerment and resistance against systemic oppression.
Personal Life and Intellectual Contributions
Zahida’s personal life reflected her revolutionary ideals. She married Rasool Bux Palijo, the charismatic leader of Awami Tehreek. Their partnership was both personal and political, with Zahida preserving and advancing Palijo’s literary and political legacy.
As an intellectual, Zahida contributed extensively to Sindhi literature. She authored numerous articles and translated a book on the Russian Revolution into Sindhi, reflecting her admiration for revolutionary women worldwide. Her writings remain an important part of Sindh’s intellectual and political heritage.
A Legacy of Courage and Resilience
Zahida Shaikh’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She represented the strength of rural Sindhi women on both national and international platforms, including conventions in India and the World Social Forum 2005 in Karachi, where she mobilized large numbers of women activists.
Despite never holding an elected position, Zahida’s influence extended far beyond the political arena. She was a beacon of hope for marginalized communities, a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment, and an unyielding critic of systemic oppression.
The End of an Era but legacy continued
Zahida passed away unexpectedly in 2018 at the age of 57, leaving behind an irreplaceable void in Sindh’s political landscape. Her death marked the end of an era where politics was driven by ideology and a relentless pursuit of justice. Tributes poured in from across Pakistan, with writers, activists, and civil society leaders mourning her loss and celebrating her legacy.
Her life continues to inspire new generations of activists, particularly those in the Sindhiyani Tehreek, which remains a vital force for women’s rights and social justice in Sindh.
Remembering Zahida Shaikh
Zahida Shaikh passed away on January 6, 2018. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots activism. She showed that revolutionary change is possible when driven by courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her legacy serves as a call to action for future generations to revive the spirit of revolutionary politics and continue the fight for equality, women’s rights, and Sindh’s autonomy.
Zahida Shaikh will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope and strength, a revolutionary icon who dared to dream of a better world and inspired countless others to do the same.
Read: From Kotri to Glory: Tulsi Meghwar Breaks Barriers of All Odds as Pakistan’s First Female Hindu Softball and Baseball Champion
____________________
The author of this article, Engr. Ramesh Raja, is a Civil Engineer, visionary planner, PMP certified and literary enthusiast with a passion for art and recreation. He can be reached at engineer.raja@gmail.com
