Samia Usman Fatah (born 28 July 1940)[1] is a former politician from Pakistan. In 1973, she became the first woman to be elected to the country's Upper House, the Senate.

Background

Fatah came from Gujrat and was born into a middle-class family.[2] She completed her schooling. She is married to Sheikh Usman Fateh.

Career

Fatah and her husband were both founding members of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).[2] Her husband, however left the party in 1972.[2] In 1968 she was appointed President of PPP's Women's Wing for the District of Gujrat.[2]

Senate of Pakistan

A PPP candidate, Fatah was elected on a general seat in 1973. This made her the country's first woman senator[3] and the only one during her tenure.[2][4] Taking the oath on 6 August 1973, she served one term between August 1973 and August 1975.[5] During her tenure, she served on the Committee on Finance, Planning and Development of the Economic Affairs and Statistical Division.[6]

National Assembly of Pakistan

Again on the PPP ticket, Fatah was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan on a special seat in 1977.[1]

Foreign visits

In February 1975, Fatah was part of Prime Minister, Zulfikhar Ali Bhutto's entourage on his official visit to the USA.[2][7]

Political activism

She organised protests and demonstrated against the military dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) pg 532 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Entourage for Prime Minister Bhutto's Trip From US Embassy in Islamabad to State Department. January 1975, US Archives. Retrieved 21 November 2020
  3. ↑ The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) pg 220 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
  4. ↑ Women's Representation in the Senate of Pakistan pg 60 Retrieved 22 November 2020
  5. ↑ "Samia Usman Fatah, Senate of Pakistan". www.senate.gov.pk. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  6. ↑ The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) pg 222 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
  7. ↑ State Dinner ZAB visit to USA 1975. Ford Library and Museum. Retrieved 21 November 2020
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