BENAZIR BHUTTO:
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, I CAN DO BETTER.

Big ideas that changed the world and how* they happened
*quite possibly possible

Abid
Biryani again today Madam, would you like more water too?

Benazir
I should be surprised some time. Is that too much to ask Abid? I little Bun Kebab maybe? Some milk?

Abid
I can ask the cook tomorrow madam.

Benazir
How long have I been here in Hyde Park now? Six… seven months?

Abid
Twelve months Madam Bhutto. Almost twelve.

Benazir
And in Pakistan that monster Pervez is getting stronger daily. You know I used to go out dancing not far from here about 30 years ago. After school. When Descartes and Neitzche got too much we came down on the train for the weekend. We were free. But today thousands are locked up at home for speaking their mind.

Abid
How might it be different though Madam?

Benazir
Democracy Abid, not power for those who can take or afford it. Islamic women must discern the difference between traditional teachings and social taboos spun by a patriarchal society. Discrimination is the first step to dictatorship and the usurpation of power. But if we all rise up we can put a stop to it.

Abid
This reminds me of ’88 again Madam. Your first term!

Benazir
More important than ’88 Abid. The strongmen have grown smart since then.

Abid
What do you mean, what would you do differently given another chance?

Benazir
Back then we had to show them what was possible, that we all have a place in society. Now we have done that they want to take it back. We started with women as police, then whole police stations. Women-run banks and business cooperatives. We were promised this 1400 years ago. Diginity, equality and respect. Now it is just given lip service. We need to lead from the front.

Abid
Ahh, too true. When did this belief start for you?

Benazir
My father inspired me. He believed I would be Prime Minister, before this was even conceivable. He imagined it so I did too.

Abid
He was taken too soon.

Benazir
I would have loved another 30 years with him, but that is life. My brothers too. My life has been as interesting as it has been rewarding unfortunately. But once you have seen what can be done you have to pursue it. I was fortunate with my birth and family, my creative act was to lever that for change.

Abid
You have seen a lot of this.

Benazir
Not as much as I would have liked, but there is still time. The income support program for the disadvantaged goes well so far. It is revolutionary is it not? To move money from the men to the women. To get the money they need ID and a bank account. And now things are starting to change.

Abid
What next?

Benazir
I guess we have to meet Mr Bush jnr again and to see the monster. Perhaps there is a way to share power with the PPP and the strong men? Perhaps that’s a foot in the door?

 

 

Starting a revolution (even in your office)?
Read about Benazir’s legacy here. You can listen to her famous speech here.

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