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
editFatah comes from Gujrat and was born into a middle-class family.[2] She completed her schooling in English-medium schools. Her late husband was Sheikh Usman Fateh.
Career
editFatah 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
editA 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
editAgain on the PPP ticket, Fatah was elected to the National Assembly of Pakistan on a special seat in 1977.[1]
Foreign visits
editIn February 1975, Fatah was part of Prime Minister, Zulfikhar Ali Bhutto's entourage on his official visit to the USA.[2][7]
Political activism
editShe organised protests and demonstrated against the military dictatorship of Zia-ul-Haq in 1977.[1]
External links
edit- Profile: Senate of Pakistan
References
edit- ^ a b c The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) p. 532 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
- ^ a b c d e f Entourage for Prime Minister Bhutto's Trip From US Embassy in Islamabad to State Department. January 1975, US Archives. Retrieved 21 November 2020
- ^ The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) pg 220 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
- ^ Women's Representation in the Senate of Pakistan p. 60 Retrieved 22 November 2020
- ^ "Samia Usman Fatah, Senate of Pakistan". www.senate.gov.pk. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
- ^ The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) p. 222 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
- ^ State Dinner ZAB visit to USA 1975. Ford Library and Museum. Retrieved 21 November 2020