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I'm a proud feminist, says Sadiq Khan

I'm a proud feminist, says Sadiq Khan

The London mayor touched on the importance of promoting female role models while speaking to the Lahore press yesterday
07 Dec, 2017

London mayor Sadiq Khan made a historic walk across the Wagah into Lahore yesterday.

This is the first time a mayor of London has visited Lahore. Mr Khan is on a six-day mission to India and Pakistan to strengthen cultural and economic ties with the British capital.

Sadiq Khan takes a selfie with admirers at his talk at Lahore's Alhamra yesterday — Photo by author
Sadiq Khan takes a selfie with admirers at his talk at Lahore's Alhamra yesterday — Photo by author

In one of his first interactions with the media and people of Lahore, Sadiq Khan took part in a talk at Alhamra that was moderated by journalist Munizae Jehangir.

At the talk, he touched on a number of topics: his Pakistani roots, encountering racism and the possibility of a Muslim Prime Minister in Britain.

Sadiq Khan made the mandatory stop at Badshahi Masjid during his Lahore tour yesterday — Photo courtesy Lotus PR
Sadiq Khan made the mandatory stop at Badshahi Masjid during his Lahore tour yesterday — Photo courtesy Lotus PR

About culture, he was asked: "Beyond laws and institutions, how can we use culture and social values to spread tolerance?"

The mayor had his answer down, as he started off immediately: “Culture can change values and attitudes. Good culture reflects society, great culture shapes society and when you think about things that can inspire you – a movie, song, piece of theatre or statue – they can inspire you and change your behaviour. That’s why it matters."

Sadiq Khan takes a photograph with singer/actor Ali Zafar — Photo courtesy Lotus PR
Sadiq Khan takes a photograph with singer/actor Ali Zafar — Photo courtesy Lotus PR

He continued, "We have a parliament where there are statues of great people who are all men. [As] somebody who’s a proud feminist, I find it objectionable there’s no statue of a great woman. After I’ve become the mayor, the parliament will have its first statue of a woman.

Sadiq Khan take a photograph with singing sensation Momina Mustehsan — Photo by author
Sadiq Khan take a photograph with singing sensation Momina Mustehsan — Photo by author

"Why does it matter? My two daughters need to know there are great women whose shoulders I stand on, my city has and has had great women, but my daughters are great girls and will be great women. And that’s why it’s really important. And I’m surrounded by strong women: my wife, sister, mother, daughters.”

Comments

Khwarizmi Dec 07, 2017 02:27pm
Just an observation: is one not suppose to take off shoes inside God´s house? I know I had to when entering the Badshahi Masjid.
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Adnan 2 Dec 07, 2017 07:12pm
Pakistan men most intelligent people in the world.
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Logical Scientist Dec 07, 2017 10:49pm
@Adnan 2 : I think Pakistani women are smarter than their counterparts. How did you grade? Just a simple question.
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N abidi Dec 08, 2017 08:15am
Pakistan has very talented and hard working people's! Only,problems is the leaders are self serving, and pak is the last thing on their mind!
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