Writer: Zeemal Baloch
Baloch Women have played a significant role in Balochi folk lore, particularly in their commitment to protecting the honor of their nation and displaying loyalty. One notable example is the Battle of Chausa in 1539 between the Mughal Emperor Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, which exemplifies the commitment and bravery of Baloch woman Banadi Baloch. She courageously took up arms in the battle when the men stepped back and even commanded a battalion alongside her brother, Meer Chakar Khan Rind.
Our courageous sister Zarina Mari, despite facing numerous challenges, raised her voice and dedicated herself to the struggle. Despite her family’s concerns about the responsibilities she was taking on, she continued her fight. Her aim was to empower women and pave the way for millions of Baloch women to participate in politics. Her determination was remarkable.
Luma_e_watan Banuk Karima Baloch continued to lead from the front even after the ban on the BSO Azad in 2013. She was chosen by the organization to hold a significant role. She highlighted the problems faced by Balochistan in UN meetings in Canada and Switzerland, and played an essential role in mobilizing the Baloch people, especially the youth and women, within Baloch society.
Mai Chaagli, who ruled Lasbela, belonged to the Burfath tribe of Baloch. She was a brave woman who ruled Lasbela for decades without paying taxes to the Khan of Kalat. She challenged the Khan and ruled over Lasbela with the support of Kalat, despite the Khan’s fear of her. Baloch women have consistently played significant roles in history. Gul BiBi Baloch, from the Iranian border area, also played a historical role. In 1916, when the Indian government appointed General Dyer to suppress the border rebellion, she fought bravely against him and freed her husband and other prisoners. Baloch women have stood shoulder to shoulder with men, displaying courage and defeating enemies.
The Iron Lady BiBi Beebo Baloch, the sister of Khan Mir Ahmed Khan Baloch, played a crucial role during the battle against the Baruzai of Sibi. Seeing her brother tense after several unsuccessful attacks, she asked for permission to take action herself, stating that she would go and defeat the enemy, showcasing the power of a woman.
In Baloch society, where women rarely have a role in public life, Farzana Majeed, sister of Zakir Majeed Baloch, has defied the trend. She has emerged as a symbol of the struggle for Baloch missing persons. In the first phase, she, along with a handful of comrades, marched from Quetta to Karachi. Speaking at a seminar, she said, “I may have lost my health, but I haven’t lost my courage. The blisters on my feet haven’t healed, but my determination to fight for my beloved brother Zahir Majeed remains strong. We are not tired, and we have not given up.”
Baloch women play a strong role, likened to mountains that cannot be shaken. While some may think women are incapable, we know that revolutions have often begun with the protests of Russian women demanding bread, clothing, and shelter.
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch emphasized in his speech that women are great revolutionaries worldwide. He encouraged Baloch women to follow their example and participate in the guerrilla movement. Fideyee Shari Baloch, the mother of two innocent children, added a new chapter to Baloch resistance history by becoming the first female Fideyee of the Baloch nation. She delivered a powerful message, stating, “My beloved nation, let us discover why such a vast nation is so oppressed. Why are our people helpless, struggling to find a piece of bread despite residing in such a resourceful land? Let us not hesitate to make sacrifices for our beloved homeland because any sacrifice made for our nation is not in vain.”
The strong daughters of the Baloch nation, such as Hani, Gohar, Adenk, Sammi, Granaaz, Sazain, Zarina Mari, and many others, serve as role models for the Baloch nation. Today, our brave daughter Samaiya Baloch has etched her name in Baloch history. As a student of Philosophy and an active member of the media, she sacrificed her life for our beloved nation. She said, “I am going to save the future generation, and you will be the ones standing in my place. Do not sit and weep. Our nation needs us greatly. Today, we have proven that we can do it. We have the power, the power of women. Be strong and fight until your last breath.”
If we remain silent today, the chains of slavery will never be broken. We must shape our own history with our own hands. We must save our land, our culture, our language, and our future generations. We need unity and to view women as equals to men. There should be no war without women because our land requires the sacrifices of both daughters and sons.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.