In a historic milestone, Krishna Kumari Kolhi from Pakistan’s Sindh province has become the first-ever Hindu Dalit woman Senator in the Muslim-majority country, according to media reports filtering in. Her win has given a major boost to women and minority rights in Pakistan.
Born in a poor peasant family in a remote village in Nagarparkar district of Thar in Sindh province in February 1979, “Krishna and her family members spent nearly three years in a private jail owned by the landlord of Kunri of Umerkot district. She was a grade 3 student at the time when held captive,” reports added.
With a masters in Sociology, Krishna joined Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as a social activist and won the election for the reserved seat for women from Sindh province. She is an active proponent “for the rights of downtrodden people of marginalized communities living in Thar and other areas” and belongs to freedom fighter Rooplo Kolhi’s family.
Earlier, PPP had elected Ratna Bhagwandas Chawla, the first Hindu woman senator, reports said. A majority of Pakistan’s Hindu population fled to India during partition and the remaining “live on the political and economic margins like other minorities.” Which is why Krishna’s election marks a new trend in Pakistan politics.
“I feel delighted, this was unthinkable for me to reach the senate,” Krishna told The Associated Press.”I will continue to work for the rights of the oppressed people, especially for the empowerment of women, their health and education,” she added.