Tahmena Bokhari Crowned The New Mrs. Pakistan World 2010
By Sharafat • Jan 5th, 2010 • Category: Entertainment • 12 CommentsDo these women really represent Pakistan? Read the following story from a media source:
Tahmena Bokhari, the 4th woman in history to be crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2010 was selected in Toronto, Canada. The pageant that started just a few years ago is now focused on finding role models for representing married women of Pakistan in a new and bold way.
Tahmena Bokhari is a College professor, social worker, consultant to governments and organizations, public speaker and writer. She has over a decade’s experience working with governments, community organizations, and academic institutions and various diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area and around the world. She has been especially passionate about diversity, ending violence against women, health (particularly cancer) and issues surrounding immigrants and settlement. Tahmena had always been passionate about social causes, volunteering countless hours and raising awareness on important issues facing our communities for years. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Toronto and traveled abroad working with victims of poverty, orphans and natural disaster survivors. Specifically, she has worked extensively in the relief efforts following the October 8th 2005 earthquake in the northern areas of Pakistan which she discusses in detail on !
her blog.
Tahmena plans to use the Mrs. Pakistan World platform to raise larger awareness on the issues she has already spent years working on as well as to take on the role of a spokesperson for Pakistani women balancing family, community, career and hobbies. As a social worker, she has experience working with so many women and families, and she wants to share this knowledge and experience to help the broader community. She states, “I hope to inspire men and women to participate in creating positive energy in the home and in the community and to live holistically balanced and happy lives.”
Sonia Ahmed, the President of Mrs. Pakistan World stated that the pageant for married women is a step forward for Pakistan in the pageant industry and hopefully Tahmena will represent Pakistan in international pageants that can take the country forward in the pageant world.
Attached is an interview with Tahmena Bokhari upon winning the title along with her photograph.
How does it feel to have a title like Mrs. Pakistan World?
I feel very honoured to be the 4th woman in history to win this title. I feel quite privileged to be among the women in the pageant who are beautiful, educated and who are really showcasing to the world how amazing Pakistani women are. Now, it is certainly very exciting to think of the year ahead.
What are your plans now that you have this new identity?
I am looking forward to working with the various people in the community at events, photoshoots, fashion shows and public speaking engagements. I am a living example of a Pakistani woman balancing career, family, pageants, culture and hobbies, and I want to talk to women everywhere about this careful juggling act we perform on a daily basis. I also want to discuss larger issues with those who are ready to make positive change.
I also want to address what may appear to be a contradiction, a dedicated social worker and feminist in a pageant. Yes, that is me, who would have thought?
For me personally, this is an opportunity to raise awareness on some very important issues that I have already spent over a decade working on. These include social causes such as violence against women, the image of Pakistanis in the media and the global status of Pakistan. When I meet people is when I get asked questions and we begin conversations, conversations from which I hope to leave people with something new, inspiring and positive that they take back to their own lives.
I have already had women coming up to me to ask how I do this. They are often surprised to hear that I am also a professor and a consultant with a very active family life. And this is where the wonderful conversation starts about the possibilities for women that exist out there.
Pakistan’s pageant industry has developed since the last 8 years. The married section still needs a huge push. What change will you bring?
Yes, as mentioned I am the 4th woman in history to hold this international title. That is a success for the pageant but also an indication of how much further we have to go in the pageant industry where other international pageants for married women have been running for many more years. We certainly need more women from our community taking up this opportunity.
I hope during my reign to showcase specifically to Pakistani women that this title can be a platform for you to have a voice in the international arena, for whatever your passions in life may be. I hope to stay true to my roots and make the community proud through the work I can do with this title. I also want to say that I hardly saw myself as a beauty queen, as the majority of my life was focused in other areas, and I think I am changing the perception people, both Pakistanis and non-Pakistanis, may have of what a ‘beauty queen’ is. I think the average woman can relate to me in this way. With all of this that I bring, I hope to promote this title, raise awareness on the possibilities out there for married Pakistani women, and to encourage women to dream big.
What international pageants are you planning to enter?
I am looking forward to representing Pakistan on an international platform at the various pageants out there for married women such as Mrs. World and Mrs. Earth.
How will entering into the international pageant indusrty give a push to Mrs. Pakistan?
I think that representation in international pageants is important for Pakistan as a whole, and certainly for married Pakistani women. What does the world currently know about Pakistani women? What are the general misconceptions out there about us? When you think of beauty, do Pakistani women come to mind? How do the international media define Pakistani women for us? All of these are questions of which the answers to which we have an opportunity to shape by participating in international pageants.
It is also important to understand that pageantry is an industry like any other, show business, acting, modeling, fashion, even politics, with its own guidelines and culture. It is an area Pakistani women have traditionally not entered, so why should Pakistani women be left out of this when Pakistanis are moving forward in so many other fields, such as politics, law, fashion and so on?
As a Pakistani, and a moderate one, what is your message to the world about Paksitan?
Hhhmmm, I am not sure what moderate Pakistani means, although I can understand what a moderate Muslim may mean.
Q: Ok, so as a Pakistani, what is your message to the world about Pakistan?
Well, there are so many messages I would like to give as we are a vast, diverse and large group of people. Pakistanis, the people of Pakistan and those of us living abroad, are diffult to sum up in a few words or one picture, as we are so very diverse in our lifestyles, views, opinions, languages and histories. So importantly, to the world I say that a singular definition of ‘Pakistani’ will not do for over 170 million Pakistanis worldwide. I encourage you all to explore this country and the people to discover our depths, complexities and our richness.
“Pakistani” is a national identity to a homeland that was created in 1947 out of a movement for liberation to carve out a unique place. The nation was founded by a man, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who stated the following in an international talk in 1948,
“Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fairplay to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan. In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims –Hindus, Christians, and Parsis –but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.”
So to the world I say, that like any other nation and culture, Pakistan has developed into a diverse and everso evolving society. It is important to remember that Pakistan is both a player and a product of international and historical politics and everyone has a stake in strengthening this nation. We must all work to support Pakistan and importantly to support more Pakistani women being in positions of leadership.
Where would you like to see the Pakistan pageant industry go in the near future especially for married women?
Well I would love to see more women join this industry and represent Pakistan on an international scale.
Any advice to the married women from Pakistan who would like to pursue pageantry?
Go for it! You have so much to offer the world, you are knowledgeable and beautiful, never forget that.
Any messages to married women in general?
Again, so many messages that you will likely hear throughout the year from me. However, most importantly, to married women, not just Pakistani, but of all cultures, you are just amazing with all that you do. I would say to take time for you as well. As women we are trained to give and we do as women give a lot of ourselves, but also remember to give back to yourself which in turn gives back to your loved ones. It is an interesting cycle that when we are happy, others around us are happy. So we have to allow ourselves to take care of us too.
How do you balance career, family, pageantry and all of the other life demands on you today as a married Pakistani woman?
This is a tough one, as ‘how’ is a never-ending negotiation based on what ever is going on at the time. Fortunately, I think, women are great multi-taskers and great at leading teams. I have a very supportive family and circle of friends around me who share in the responsibilities and joys of life. I think for women it is very important to have solid grounding in yourself, work on bettering yourself and taking care of yourself. Figure out a method that works for you to evaluate your priorities. These are different for all of us. Importantly, communicate with others in your life about your needs, ideas, dreams and ambitions. There is a message here for men as well, to support the women in your life. What has allowed men to ‘have it all’ if they choose such as a career and children and marriage and hobbies and so on? It is women! It is because of women who have historically been behind men, taking care of domestic issues, that then frees men up to focus on a career ou!
tside of the home. Similarly, for women to enjoy success in all of these areas, men must be supportive and shift their roles as well. We really have to work together. As for me, I would say that I am a product of hundreds of years of family history and I credit many others for who I am today, the women and men in my life. I am humbled and grateful to have this support. I am looking forward to talking more with the community on this and all of your questions.
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I AGREE! These women namely Tehmeena Bohkhari or Farzana Bari whosoever it seems these women are representative of any European or Western Country instead of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Sharafat — I am positive as various others articles are being appeared now-a-days almost every 2nd day therein a clear cut message for this poor & ignored nation regarding to this continued an extensive Blood Bath which has been non stop going on since 2005 will change these sort of Un-Islamic Activities which is damaged directly to the spiritual & intellectual feelings of a Good Muslim & we need a leader like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Highly devoted, motivated Hardworking empathetic. He united all the diverged classes in-to a necklace of a nation. Leader Must follow the principle as followed by Jinnah & Illama Iqbal our teachings must be under the events of Hazrat BB Khadija, Fatmatuzuhra or Hazrat Aaisha AS or Live Like Hazrat Ali KaW or Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed (the lion of Allah) they Died as per Islamic Teachings or may say so you name to Hussein or Tipu Sultan (Beloved of Prophet (SAWW). It’s the time we think about Pakistan under Islamic Revolutionary Steps. Right After watching Pakistani TV talk shows I have made up my mind that Nawaz Zardari, etc whatever it will all remain the same unless we have a REVOLUTION & get a true leader with True Islamic Approach.
*Ben Ben = Center/Middle — Do not know either this or that side
*Waheen = Over there at Abroad usually at any Western Country most probably UK & USA.
*Elite Class = Money Makers from Government Quotas, Angreezi Bolnay Walay Pakistani Representatives at Pakistan & at Abroad, Wadeeray Sein, Ch. Jagirdar Cum Politicians or only Corrupt Politicians who think the West does have every solution instead of Allah Jj & his beloved Rasool Ss above all Fuji Generals., Bureaucrats & etc.
Hein JAAL Bahaut Hee Chotay or MACHLIAN Bari Bari -
Hukamranoun Aab Bhee Sambhal Jao – Kay Qaum Tum Say Ulajh Pari-
Sub Siah-o-Bud-Karian Muzloom Qaum Pur Issy *Elite Class Tabqay Kee Pari-
Inkee Aulad Taleem Tehzeeb Jaidad — Bankoun Mein Daulat *Waheen Bharee Pari –
Qadam Qadam Pur Issy *Elite Class Nay Islami Nizam Mein Ruqawatien Khari Karien –
*Ben Ben Nahee Rahee Aab Yeh Ajab See Batien- Muslim Ummah Kay Samnay Khol Pureen-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU2_yCwg0tw
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Elite+Class+of+Pakistan&search_type=&aq=f
Tahmena Bokhari is an amazing woman. Get to know her and her message before criticising a woman who has dedicated her life for social change.
I think some readers are clearly missing the point. She does not claim to represent Islam, she is a woman out there showing how beautiful and wonderful her country is. Please read her information very carefully, she promotes diversity of ideas and caring for others. She is urging us to remove anger, hate and discrimition from our minds and ideas. I can see that seems very hard for many out there to do, thats why we need more women like her. This is why women never make it. We get backlash from every one. I support Tahmena all the way. Finally a woman out there with such guts!
And what is the true Islamic approach? I just so sick and tired of people saying that?
It seems that Every Pakistani is an expert in religion! and funny thing is all of them have different ideas! Wake up people, and look at what you are doing. There are other religions in Pakistan and many people practice Islam differently. I would even say that in practice, it is the man’s version we hear most about and somehow the men who are abusing their wives and children do not get criticised for being unIslamic! Listen to Tahmena, she speaks much more eloquently that me, remove this anger and hate from yourself and then we can have a true discussion and get somewhere! I hope that my daughters will have a better future as women because people like Tahmena are out there making new pathways for women.
Tahmena is a doing a lot for women, for Pakistan and for South Asia. She is making change. While many are sitting around complaining, she has bettered herself and is now bettering the world. Many are just jealous that they cannot be Mrs Pakistan, that they are not beautiful or educated or being noticed. To the one negative commentator on here I ask, what have you ever done? I am glad to see so many positive and supportive comments and just this one negative person who is obviously out of it. That’s our problem, when someone does do something to make the world better all we do is criticise. I know Tahmena will capture everyone’s hearts. Tahmena is such a beautiful person, when you talk to her you learn so much, you feel so good, she gets it, she listens, she understands. She is above and beyond the average person…..and I do liken her to the modern day Mother Theresa….or the Lady Diana of Pakistan. Just get to know her and for the sake of Pakistanis everywhere, pleeeaaase support her. She has a fan page on facebook that you can join at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tahmena-Bokhari/19226142858
To all those who are critics, what have you done for humanity? You are so narrow minded that a woman who merely shows her shoulders is somehow a bad person or opening her legs and having children with unknown fathers? What kind of isolated cave do you live in? Sorry to sound offensive but I am just so very offended that any woman would be described like that. Please take a careful look at who the person we are talking about here….she is more than looks. And no, she is not saying that only women from her country are beautiful, if you actually read her work, she says that we all can be beautiful. She says that when we think of Pakistan, the world should think of beauty and not terror which is so far the case. She is helping change the image of our country. And thank God, otherwise we would only have the voices of men who are angry, probably were abused themselves, were deprived of love and probably secretly jack-off to pictures of women on the internet… are now hating on other people and furthering the cycle of hate. So sick of men dictating what a woman should be. Go and get some education, some counselling and better yourself!
Again, reminder to please read up on Tahmena Bokhari and not just the press release above. There is a lot more news about her and she has spent years working on causes for the country. This is why we need Tahmena, because as soon as any one does any thing positive in our community, every amir, ahmed, muhamad and mehmood has his boxers in a knot. This is why Pakistan is not producing good leaders…haters like some of the commentators here will not let them rise……and now we are a society of isolated people with no direction or vision except that of the terrorits. Wake up people!!!
am a Pakistan male, and not that I like to brag about my old age but certainly quite senior member of our community. I have to tell you that I admire Tahmena Bokhari a great deal and support her and anything she participates in. I am proud that bmsd invited her to speak at their wonderful and refreshing conference. It is sad to say that in my many years, many travels and the wide network of friends that I have I do not know many Pakistani women or any women to be like Tahmena. Women like her are rare and we must support them, she is what leadership is made out of. Tahmena is bold, educated, strong, independent, caring, a humanitarian, family oriented and all these qualities in one person who seems to carry it all so well and make it look easy. Her beauty is that she has so many traits, so many people can relate to her, but she never forgets who she is and where she has come from. She is the most well balanced and well rounded person I know. I believe that clothes do not make a person, but rather the deads a person does. Tahmena has done a lot, more than many so called leaders that I know, more than these politicians and certainly more than many men I know who claim to be experts in Islam. Tahmena advocates to be a strong and positive person, to contribute to your community and to know yourself. She has worked for the community since she was just a child, has served over 7000 clients, donating her time, money and energy to Pakistanis. She lived with the victims of the earthquake in tents, she served in countries around the world, lived in tiny dirty sheds with the people she was serving and not in a hotel, she helped feed the kids of these poor widowed women, as dirty and sick as they were she held them in her arms where many would not even want to be near them. She wanted to be with the people, to understand them and help them in a way that they wanted. She did not have to do that, but she did! She does not have to do anything at all, but she does. Many in her shoes are using their education and money only to help themselves. She is using her privilege to promote the messages she believes in and for justice, which quite frankly many do not have the know-how or the guts to do. Women have not been encouraged in our community to dream big and then work on their dreams, and that is what Tahmena is giving to a lot of women. I would be proud if the children in my family would be like Tahmena, bold and passionate, that goes for the women and the men. Thank you
I am impressed with people like Tahmena. Personally I did not think of her as someone who would be in a pageant. I have so much respect for her and thought perhaps this is just a fun hobbie for Tahmena. I mean she has done so much for others so why not try this for herself as something different. But once I saw what the pageant was about, meaning more focus on brains and acting as an ambassador for the country, I could think of no one better than Tahmena to hold this title. I mean just read her interview above. She is obviously one very intelligent and world class lady. She is one of my role models and I think role model for many. She clearly states above that she is not here to represent Muslims nor is she the spokesperson on Islam. She is simply her to show the world a new side of Pakistan and she is doing a great job of that. I feel there is a strong segment of the Pakistani community which can relate to Tahmena, and a strong segment that will learn from her. I have heard many women say how inspiring they find her. Look at all the identities she manages so very carefully. I do not know any one who does it so well and that is why I look to her as a role model. We need more Pakistanis winning these kinds of titles, as well as in the olympics, in every sport, in dance, in art and every area. Thank you Tahmena for paving the way for others and helping to open all of our minds.
Quite frankly, as a Pakistani male I wish my wife and daughters and sisters were more like Tahmena. My sisters have been shut down whenever they had a passion, and hence only became housewives with no awareness of what is happening in the world. My wife comes from a religious and uneducated family and when we got married I had wished she would speak better English and dress more westernized since we live in the west. It took her a long time to get used to it and now she is even starting to learn to swim. I love to see my wife in all kinds of clothing and I wish there was not this taboo in the culture. As a man, I feel the way a woman dresses is none of my business and I should not dictate because of my own deficiencies how she should dress. I also think that we are giving men permission to be animals, thinking that showing a shoulder will mean that a man will get turned on and wont be able to control his behaviour or his thoughts. I think that is ridiculous. I have lived in the west all my life and see women in bikinis and skirts all the time, and frankly I do not feel I turn in to some animal when I see them. It is not fair to women that because men are afraid of their own behaviour that women than have to limit themselves. I think as men we have to better role models and respect all women, despite what they are wearing. I think the world would be a better place if women were more actively involved and we as men should encourage this, not criticise a woman for petty things.
I am curious why the Pak Spectator did not cover any news about Tahmena’s trip to London? She spoke at a conference there, and met many dignitaries. Many Pakistani women were inspired by this. Many men in fact were inspired by her. I suggest you all visit her blog at http://tahmenabokhari.blogspot.com/