Mukhtar Mai, a Pakistani Woman of Courage

Mukhtar Mai...a name we have trouble pronouncing, yet once we have heard her story, she is a woman we will most likely never forget. Hers is the story of a nation trapped in its past, yet eagerly striving toward its future, of a generation of women, brutalized by tribal law, yet also of a future generation of women, resilient and courageous, and aware of their human rights.

Mukhtar Mai's story began when her young, pre-teen brother was accused of inappropriate behavior with a girl of a rival tribe. His transgression was most likely minor, and no proof could be found of any wrongdoing. Tribal law sentenced him, and he was raped and held captive. Mukhtar, who approached the tribal council to plead for her brother, was taken in exchange and brutally gang-raped and humiliated before a large crowd. Since she was dishonored and no longer "pure", she was then expected to commit suicide to erase the shame and restore honor to her family and tribe.

Sexual violence against women is a problem all over the world, but in rural Pakistan, it is sometimes used as a form of restitution and punishment, ordained by tribal councils, although the official law of the country condemns rape and offers the death penalty for convicted rapists. In the rural regions of Pakistan, many women are uneducated, and they are unaware of their rights in the country's legal system.

Mukhtar, while at first destitute and suicidal, found support in her family. A trusted religious leader encouraged her to seek justice, and she filed a suit against her attackers. She eventually prevailed, due to her courage, her family's support and the outcry of the progressive Pakistani press, which called attention to her case. Her assailants were prosecuted and imprisoned, and she was paid a rather large sum of restitution money, which would allow her to start over and live peacefully in a different part of the country.

The young woman did not leave, but decided to stay in her village. She used the money to build two schools, one for boys and one for girls. In these schools, she hopes to educate women and girls to learn and understand their legal rights, and help boys to learn true dignity and honor by studying the principles of Islam, which does not condone brutality, rape, or tribal law.

While we may know Mukhtar Mai as a woman who was victimized by her culture, we should remember her as an educator, political activist, and catalyst of change. She persists, although her life is in danger. Her schools sustain her, as she works to support them. Once a victim, she has become a benefactor, an educator, a role model, and a powerhouse of courage. Because of her determination, Pakistan will never be the same.

Mukhtar Mai's biographical book, "In the Name of Honor: A Memoir" is available from Amazon.com