“As the first woman ever elected to head an Islamic nation, I feel a special responsibility towards all women” – Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
An icon of women’s rights, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is remembered for her courage in challenging the status quo. She became an emblem of pride on her election as not only Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, but also the first woman Prime Minister of an Islamic country the world over. A true woman of substance, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was well ahead of her time, especially in her efforts to empower women – becoming a symbol of hope for millions. From encouraging women’s education to creating a quota for women in public sector jobs, from inaugurating the first women’s police station to the Lady Health Workers Program, from the formation of the Ministry of Women’s Development to appointing women in the superior judiciary – Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto gave women a strong voice. Amongst her many efforts, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto founded First Women Bank Ltd. to meet the financial needs of women and give them the means to succeed – from 1989 to date, First Women Bank has empowered thousands of women entrepreneurs, with success being passed down across generations to change lives forever.

Celebrating Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day, FWBL pays tribute to iconic women whose legacies are strongly interwoven in the fabric of the nation’s heritage. Their remarkable achievements, in their own unique way, contribute to who we are as a nation today.