As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, I am reminded of the profound words of Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Iqbal:
“وجودِ زن سے ہے تصویرِ کائنات میں رنگ”
(The color in the portrait of the universe is from the existence of woman)
This “color” is not merely aesthetic; it is the vital energy that drives nations forward. In today’s global landscape, women are no longer just participants in lifethey are the architects of resilience.
As a Tunisian woman serving in Pakistan, I carry the heritage of a nation that has long been a pioneer in women’s rights. From the landmark Code of Personal Status in 1956 to modern achievements, where Tunisian women now make up over 74% of university graduates, the Tunisian leading experience proves that when women are empowered, society as a whole stabilizes and flourishes.
My journey as a diplomat mirrors the captivating spirit I witness here in Pakistan. I am deeply inspired by the diverse roles Pakistani women inhabit: from groundbreaking activists and tech leaders to the silent, heroic strength of housewives who form the backbone of the community. Whether in a boardroom in Islamabad or a household in the heart of the country, their contribution to nation-building is immeasurable.
Yet, our celebration today is tempered by the gravity of ongoing global conflicts. We cannot speak of empowerment without honoring the women of Gaza and other war-torn regions. They are the unsung heroes who maintain the dignity of their families amidst devastation acting as frontline healers and the final pillars of hope. Their courage reminds us that women bear the heaviest burdens of conflict, yet remain essential partners in the pursuit of peace.
To all the young girls in Tunisia ,Pakistan and across the world, I say this: believe in yourselves, nurture your talents, and pursue your dreams, no matter the circumstances. The strength, courage, and wisdom within you are the colors that will continue to shape and heal the universe.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
