'Ask Afridi the wrong question and you will get a stupid answer'
I would like to register my own personal protest regarding Afridi’s comments on the Under-19 Women's Cricket team formed in Peshawar, in which he stated that 'our women have great taste in their hands,' implying they ought to stay in the kitchen.
Considering that most of the top chefs in the world are men, chefs in every establishment (big or small) in Pakistan are men, zaiqa auraton kay haath mein nahin hai, mardon kay haath mein hai. It is not the women, but the men that rightfully belong in the kitchen!
Having gotten that out of my system, much has been said about Afridi’s comments regarding the Pakistan’s Under-19 women’s cricket team formed in Peshawar. Many blogs have been written against or in support of our on-again-off-again cricketing hero. Some of these blogs have gone on to list some incredible achievements made by Pakistani women as ‘proof’ that we are more than what we can cook (which in my case, would be nothing more than instant noodles and a hardboiled egg).
Also read: Why I won't be cheering for Shahid Afridi anymore | Is Afridi really to blame?
But the question remains: what do women who have broken cultural barriers in Pakistan and made their own mark in the world today think about Afridi’s comments?
We decided to ask them, as well as some of the men who support them. Below are their responses.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Pakistan’s first and only Oscar-winner, war journalist, multiple award-winning documentary filmmaker, preserver of Pakistan’s history and culture.
“I have always cheered on Shahid Afridi because to me, he represents the best of Pakistan, but I was saddened to hear his remarks about the U-19 women’s cricket team because while he hasn’t let me down as a cricketer, he has let me down as a role model.”
“When you become a national hero, millions of young men and women look up to you and you have to lead by example, not only on the field, but also off the field. Afridi is the father of four young girls, who I hope will go on to do great things for Pakistan — outside the kitchen. We, the women of this country, cheer him on at every match, and in return we deserved to be cheered on too!”
Aamina Sheikh
Internationally acclaimed television and movie actor, model, health freak.
“A part of my own extended family shares the same ideology that Shahid Afridi represents by voicing his opinion on ‘where’ he thinks the real talent of women lies.
“I know from first-hand experience that these are ‘beliefs’ that are vigorously rooted in a community’s interpretation of religion and the immediate cultural dynamics around them which they choose to embody. This is not just a passing statement; this is very much a ‘belief’ of the community that Shahid Afridi represents. And it is the belief system that sets the playing field for any individual (no pun intended) regardless of being a public figure or not.
“One can’t expect an apology for a difference of ‘belief’ — instead, it is just a representation of those that believe otherwise.
“I also believe in freedom of speech and tolerance, so instead of creating an uproar and demanding an apology and having unnecessary expectations from those different from me — I’d rather just smirk in response, keep moving forward and keep demonstrating through actions how diversely talented we are outside of our kitchens!
“Perhaps one day, Madeeha, we shall bike* over to cheer for a big victory of our under-19 women’s team of Peshawar and who knows, one day Shahid Afridi may be the one handing over the cup to them!
“Things have a fantastic way of coming full circle in this world of ours; let’s look forward to that day.”
*Aaminah Sheikh, along with the author, is a member of Critical Mass Karachi, a cycling group in the city.
Rohail Hyatt
Founder, producer, member of the two of the best things to have happened to Pakistani music: Vital Signs and Coke Studio.
“I have respect for people’s opinions even though they may be very different from mine. I think his opinion should be taken for what it is: an opinion! Why is such a big fuss made of opinions?
“He has no authority to pass judgement on the matter. If we make an effort to increase our tolerance for each other’s opinions and don’t expect everyone to hold one that conforms to ours, we, as a nation, might be headed in the right direction! Thanks for asking!”
Sanam Saeed
Accomplished theatre and television actor, model, singer
“Afridi needs to understand that talent isn’t confined to the hands. People, women included, can have talented minds. Perhaps, if he realised that, he would think before swinging wildly for the fences all the time, and maybe we would win more matches.
“When Mr Afridi speaks like this it counteracts efforts made by the rest of us to change perceptions about women in this country. They are subjugated enough, the last thing we need is a national hero/role model making such ignorant remarks — whether in or out of context.”
Fareshteh Aslam
Former sports journalist, former editor of a major entertainment weekly, the person behind the Lux Style Awards and a host of other fabulousness.
“Afridi is good for just one thing: instinctive, flashy cricket. He’s not an icon, nor a very decent person. To expect him to be anything close to responsible and non-misogynist is to question our own credulity."
“I’m not surprised because I never expected anything better from him. But I am disappointed because so many others like my driver are swayed by him.”
Mahmood Rehman
President Pakistan Mixed Martial Arts Fighting Alliance, musician, former band-member of Overload, husband (and front row support team member) to the incredibly multi-talented Meesha Shafi.
“I wasn’t aware that cricketers were held in high regard for their progressive views. His statements are only mirroring the mindset the general population holds, which can only be changed on a grassroots level, with years of education and gradual change.
“It’s a shame that 52 per cent of our population not only are viewed as second-rate earners and citizens, but second-rate human beings as well.”
Nadia Hussain Khan
Supermodel, actor, fashion entrepreneur, qualified dentist
“I had heard of but not read about Afridi’s comments ... It is absolutely pathetic and preposterous for him to give such sexist remarks! Having travelled the world and seen the status of women all over, he should be more than open minded about the status and success of women in our own country!”
Nuzhat Kidvai
Human rights activist with the Women’s Action Forum, educator, consultant.
“Afridi’s statement cannot be overlooked, but we shouldn’t attach any importance to it. What he thinks about women is immaterial because he has no knowledge."
“However, if he were in a position of dictating policy it would be more serious because he would be negating the rights of women. All one can say is that he is a misogynist and very foolish. He is a cricketer and he should just play cricket. He knows nothing about women, nor is he educated."
“He is a father, however, and it will be a sadness that he should hold views that prevent the promotion of the sport that has given him an important place in the world and his daughters will have no value but only be cooks for his son-in-law. Fathers of daughters should at least think before speaking!"
“It is sad to hear any Pathan man speak about women. I feel they have no right to do so until they condemn Wani as a practice and stand with women against this inhuman and cowardly practice."
“My question to the media would be: why do they ask such questions of people who are in no position to have any sensible views on women? Ask women sports people about the women’s cricket team. Why ask men?"
“Ask the wrong question of the wrong person and you will get a stupid answer.”