Samia Usman Fatah

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. The Role of Women Parliamentarians in Pakistani Politics (1970–1988) pg 532 Thesis by Ghazala Nawaz QAU, Islamabad 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2020
  2. 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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