Pakistan gang rape survivor Mukhtaran Mai walks the ramp

Islamabad, Nov 2 (IANS) Hers is a story of extraordinary courage. Hers is a story of resilience.
She is Mukhtaran Mai, the gangrape-survivor from Pakistan, who put her life together from scratch and works towards bettering the lives of other women in her village through her school.
And now, the fervent campaigner for Pakistan’s voiceless women, is all set to walk the ramp.
In a refreshing change, a Pakistani designer Rozina Munib has decided to feature Mai in her show at the Fashion Pakistan Week. The collection to be showcased has been named ‘Zindagi Ke Rang’ (Colours of life) dedicated to the ups and downs Mai has gone through in her life.
A short film by Asad-ul-Haq highlighting Mukhtaran’s work for her village’s women will also be played before her showcase.
“Fashion needs to care. It’s become a booming industry and thereby, has an ethical responsibility to place focus on significant causes,” Rozina Munib, the PR strategist of the designer told Pakistan’s Dawn.
“Mukhtaran suffered terribly but instead of committing suicide or succumbing to depression she stood up for her rights. She won against all odds and moved on with her life. She has remarried now and runs a sanctuary where she provides shelter to women and helps them in becoming self-sufficient,” Dawn quoted Rozina as saying.
Mukhtar was ordered to be gang-raped by a tribal council in 2002 after her 12-year-old brother Shakoor was accused of having an affair with a woman of the superior Mastoi tribe. After the accused were acquitted by Pakistan’s apex court, she started her life afresh.