Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan, a young girl named Basnama Ayaz was surrounded by towering peaks — her dreams as high. With no nurses to encourage or advocate for women’s health, Basnama wanted to transform health care. This is how Basnama's journey into the world of nursing and women's empowerment began.
Basnama was captivated by the idea of healing. The scarcity of medical resources in her hometown made her determined to pursue a career where she could make a tangible difference. With the support of her family, she embarked on a journey to Karachi to study nursing at Aga Khan University (AKU). Basnama excelled in her studies and was driven by a vision of bringing change to her community.
Basnama followed her dream and completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. She taught at AKU. Her passion for nursing took her beyond Pakistan's borders in 2012, when she was asked to go to Afghanistan. There, Basnama worked on developing nursing curricula supporting the Ministry of Public Health, striving to elevate the standards of healthcare education. Here, she realized the profound impact healthcare education could have on women's lives, especially in regions where their opportunities were limited.
"In a departure from my initial plans to work in my hometown, I ended up in Afghanistan instead. While there, I witnessed the profound challenges faced by women. During a visit to assess a regional nursing school, the absence of women at all levels except for a cleaner and myself struck me deeply. This experience ignited a strong desire within me to promote gender equality and empower women beyond my capabilities."
With each opportunity, Basnama's vision grew clearer. To truly make a difference, she focused on empowering women in healthcare. This new focus led her to the University of Toronto, where she is pursuing her PhD. Her research focuses on how policy initiatives in post-2001 Afghanistan successfully promote women's professional education and participation in healthcare.
"I selected my research topic to implement women’s empowerment interventions, focusing on women nurses. Unfortunately, amidst my studies, the political regime changed in Afghanistan, and the women who were once bold and empowered became political pawns once again. I hope there will be a window of opportunity, and I can use my research findings to achieve my aim."
But all is not lost and Basnama is hopeful.
Today, Basnama Ayaz stands as a testament to the power of determination and the impact of education on women's empowerment. Her journey from the peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan to the halls of the University of Toronto is a narrative of overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities.
As she continues her research and work in Canada, her story echoes in the valleys of her homeland and in Afghanistan, inspiring a new generation of women to reach for their dreams, no matter how high the peaks may seem.
Our Stories is an Ismaili Canada feature that shares glimpses into the lives of the Jamat - their hopes, struggles and dreams - in order to inspire, build connection and understanding.
Click on an image to expand.
