Pakistan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Champions Inclusion and Equality for All

Muniba Mazari, a globally recognized advocate for inclusion and disability rights.

Muniba Mazari has become a powerful voice as an artist, humanitarian, and disability rights activist, earning the nickname “The Iron Lady of Pakistan.” Earlier this year, UN chief António Guterres appointed Ms Mazari as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate, joining a select group of influential public figures committed to a fairer future for people and the planet.

When she was 21, Ms Mazari was severely injured in a car accident that left her paralysed from the waist down. Despite immense challenges, she went on to become a celebrated artist — her work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide — as well as a global motivational speaker, humanitarian, disability rights advocate, Pakistan’s first wheelchair-bound female TV host, model, and goodwill ambassador for UN Women Pakistan.

In an interview with Hareem Ahmed from UN News, Ms Mazari shared her remarkable journey of resilience and determination, her refusal to let disability define her, and her vision of a truly inclusive society.

Muniba Mazari: “I’ve learned that if you have the courage to face challenges head-on, and if you persist in trying to make a difference for yourself and those around you, barriers turn into bridges and adversities into opportunities.

“My appointment as an SDG advocate is a huge honour because, as a woman who has been using a wheelchair for the past 17 years, I know exactly how it feels to be discriminated against, underestimated, questioned, and told you’re not good enough.

“I’ve realised that when you act with passion and persistence, people do open doors and accept you for your grit and determination. I will continue to be a voice for those left behind — not because they don’t have a voice, but because they don’t have the right platform.”

People with disabilities, she said, are often “left unseen and unheard,” whether in classrooms, workplaces, leadership roles, or even in their own homes. “As an SDG advocate, it’s my responsibility to represent them.”

Inclusion as a Human Right

UN News: You have said that inclusion is a basic human right, not charity. What does a truly inclusive society look like to you?

Muniba Mazari: “Many people think inclusion means sympathy for people who are differently abled. We need to understand that an inclusive society starts with an inclusive mindset — one free of bias, labels, and judgment.

“For me, inclusion is about accepting people for who they are and respecting them so that no one feels left behind. A truly inclusive society is one where everyone feels seen, heard, and welcomed. I hope one day we’ll achieve that dream.”

Men as Allies for Gender Equality

UN News: You have emphasised the importance of male allies in the fight for gender equality. What kind of support can men offer?

Muniba Mazari: “Men cannot succeed without women, and women cannot succeed without men. We must work with each other, not against each other.

“My son knows that his mother doesn’t cook — she works all day doing something she loves and that helps others. We must raise our children in inclusive environments.

“When we talk about women’s rights, it’s not about taking rights away from men. Men don’t have to ask for their basic rights. We just want men to stand with us, unlearn biases, and understand that men and women must grow and excel together.”

Art as a Tool for Change

UN News: How do you use art and storytelling to inspire change?

Muniba Mazari: “Creative expression is vital, especially when there’s so much sadness and hurt in the world. Art has the power to heal and transform. For me, art has been my safe space — a way to express what I’m going through. We need more artists, because we need more healing.”

Gender Equality in Pakistan

UN News: What are the biggest challenges to achieving gender equality in Pakistan?

Muniba Mazari: “We need to raise our children equally. The biases are so deep-rooted that we don’t even see them. Cooking and cleaning are life skills, not gender roles.

“My brother cooks when he wants to; I don’t because I don’t enjoy it. For my son, that’s normal. We’ve raised strong girls — now we need to raise strong men. A strong man is one who isn’t intimidated by a woman’s success.”

The Road to Accessibility

UN News: What are the most urgent gaps in disability rights and accessibility?

Muniba Mazari: “A lack of acceptability and accessibility. When I began my career, I was told, ‘You’re a woman in a wheelchair in Pakistan — things will be difficult.’ I said, ‘I might be the first, but I won’t be the last.’

“I’ve seen mindsets change, but there’s still a long way to go. Let’s start by accepting people for who they are and giving them the right to live life to the fullest.”