Homage to a Revolutionary Spirit: Comrade Zahida Shaikh on her Death anniversary
By: Kalavanti Raja
In the annals of Sindh’s history, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Comrade Zahida Shaikh—a woman of unparalleled courage, intellect, and resilience. On her death anniversary, we pause to honor her legacy, a legacy that continues to inspire countless individuals in their fight against injustice and oppression.
Zahida Shaikh was born in 1961 in Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, into a society deeply entrenched in feudalism and gender inequality. From an early age, she displayed an unyielding determination to challenge societal norms. She defied the odds by attending a boys’ school, later earning a Master’s in Mass Communication and an LLB from Sindh University Jamshoro. This foundation of education became her weapon in the fight for justice and equality, shaping her into a formidable leader who would dedicate her life to the empowerment of women and the marginalized.
As a leader of the Sindhiyani Tehreek, Zahida’s activism championed the rights of women, especially those silenced by centuries-old traditions. Inspired by the revolutionary ideals of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and her husband, Rasool Bux Palijo, Zahida became a torchbearer of the ideology of “Fikr-e-Palejo.” She fought tirelessly against oppressive customs like Karo-Kari, led protests and long marches for Sindh’s water rights, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with marginalized communities across Pakistan.
Her activism was not without sacrifice. Zahida endured imprisonment, police brutality, and relentless societal opposition, yet her spirit remained unbroken. She believed that true progress could only be achieved through the empowerment of women and the dismantling of exploitative structures. Her life’s work gave countless women in Sindh the courage to raise their voices and demand their rights.
Zahida’s contributions extended beyond activism. Her literary prowess is immortalized in her book, “Oran Aho Hi Thyo” (This is What Happened)—a profound compilation of essays, stories, translations, and memoirs. Through this book, Zahida chronicled the struggles of the oppressed, the plight of Sindhi women, and the broader class struggles of society. Her writing, deeply rooted in ideology, demonstrated the power of literature as a tool for political and social change.
In one of her essays, Zahida wrote, “When I hear the stories of oppressed women by the river, my hatred for the feudal lords grows stronger.” This raw emotion, combined with her intellectual clarity, painted a vivid picture of the injustices she fought against. From narrating the tragedies of rural women in stories like “Kaari” to critiquing political exploitation in essays such as “Hyderabad Mein Qayamat,” Zahida’s words continue to echo in the hearts of those who seek justice.
Zahida Shaikh’s life was a testament to resilience and selflessness. Married to the revolutionary leader Rasool Bux Palijo, she managed both her personal responsibilities and her national activism with remarkable grace. She played a central role in grassroots campaigns against injustices like the Kalabagh Dam and other exploitative systems, inspiring hope in Sindh and beyond.
Her sudden passing on January 6, 2018, at the age of 57, left an irreplaceable void. Yet, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she inspired and still walking on the roads of struggle for rights of common.
Zahida’s life was a testament to this loyalty—loyalty to her people, her principles, and her unyielding dream of a just society. As we remember her today, let us renew our commitment to the causes she championed. Let us honor her by continuing her fight against oppression, by uplifting the silenced, and by carrying forward her vision of equality and justice.
With a red salute, we pay tribute to Zahida Shaikh, a revolutionary, a writer, a leader, and above all, a beacon of hope for Sindh and beyond.
