It was difficult to end male dominance in Lahore High Court Bar: Sabahat Rizvi

Sabahat Rizvi is the first woman to be elected secretary of the Lahore High Court Bar after winning the election.

After assuming his new duties on Monday, he said that getting the position was not easy for him.

‘It was a very difficult job because the profession of lawyer is dominated by men and it was considered a taboo for a woman to sit in the secretary’s seat and it was said that this chair or position was meant only for men.

‘It was thought that since this position is of great responsibility, it is not for women.

‘I broke all these taboos and destroyed all these ideas by winning this election.’

For this success, he had to visit 94 small and big bar associations of the entire Punjab province.

‘I had to go there and ask each friend for their vote individually. Many friends didn’t know me personally, only as a lawyer and it was most difficult in Lahore because there is a lot of politics.

‘Another problem was that there was very little acceptance of women running for this seat. They were discouraged.

‘I fought on many fronts. I convinced my community that I am contesting this election as a lawyer and not as a woman.

‘I think a lawyer has no gender, he is just a lawyer.’

Speaking about her future plans, Sabahat, who was elected secretary for one year, said: ‘I will not make big claims but I will serve the bar.

‘The bar trusted me and respected me. I understand, so I will try my best to serve them.

“Most importantly, we will talk about and uphold the rule of law, the supremacy of the Constitution and civil rights.

We will raise our voice against state violence, violation of human and fundamental rights.

Regarding the women lawyers, Sabahat says that she will ensure that all the facilities and privileges enjoyed by the male lawyers are also available to the women.

Sabahat is also credited with writing the Transgender Bill of Rights and is also a transgender rights activist.