SANGHAR, Sindh – In the heart of southern Pakistan, two young women are making history and redefining gender norms. Irum Jatt, 21, and Shereen Shah, 22, have become the first female ambulance drivers employed by the Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services (SIEHS), a significant milestone in a region where women face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, employment, and basic rights.
Their appointment in June 2024 is a bold and groundbreaking move by SIEHS, a non-profit organization that manages a fleet of 460 “HOPE” ambulances across Sindh. The decision to hire female ambulance drivers was not only a challenge to the status quo but also a necessary step toward breaking down the deeply entrenched patriarchal barriers that limit women’s roles in the workforce, particularly in remote areas like Sanghar.
In many parts of Pakistan, including Sindh, the notion of women performing jobs traditionally held by men is met with resistance. Women are often discouraged from stepping outside their homes or pursuing careers in fields that are considered “male-dominated.” In a province where women struggle to claim their basic rights, from voting to education, the idea of a woman driving an ambulance seemed unimaginable to many. However, Irum Jatt and Shereen Shah are now living proof that such barriers can be overcome with determination and courage.
“I saw the advertisement for the ambulance driver position on social media, and I thought to myself, why not?” says Jatt, a graduate with an intermediate degree. “Many people believed that women couldn’t drive ambulances. But I wanted to prove them wrong. There’s something inside me—a passion to break the mold and make a difference.”
Her colleague, Shereen Shah, shares a similar story. Both women were selected after passing multiple rounds of testing and training. Once they started working in Sanghar, they quickly encountered skepticism and doubt from the community. “At first, people were shocked to see us driving,” Shereen Shah recalls. “They doubted our abilities, thinking we might not be able to handle the job or that we’d make mistakes on the road. But with time, they’ve come to see that we’re just as capable as any male driver.”
Despite the challenges, the women have proven themselves to be not only competent but exceptional in their roles. Jatt and Shah handle emergency calls, navigate difficult terrains, and even manage heavy physical tasks, such as changing tires on the ambulances. The stereotype that only men can perform such physically demanding jobs is one they defy every day.
Overcoming Resistance and Changing Minds
When SIEHS first hired female ambulance drivers, the response was mixed. Many people in the conservative community expressed their disapproval, particularly on social media. Questions like “How can a woman drive an ambulance?” or “What if something goes wrong?” were common. Mumtaz Ali Pirzada, the district manager at SIEHS in Sanghar, remembers the backlash. “There was a lot of resistance initially. People were shocked to see women in such roles. But over time, their hard work and professionalism have silenced critics,” he says.
Pirzada emphasizes that the success of Jatt and Shah is not the result of any special treatment or sympathy; it is the outcome of their skill, determination, and work ethic. “These women are doing the job just like any male driver. They even manage difficult tasks that many people believe only men can do,” Pirzada says proudly.
The community’s reaction has started to change, too. Initially skeptical, local residents are now beginning to respect and admire the young women for their resilience and competence. “When we first started working here, people would stare and make remarks,” Jatt admits. “But now, when we pass by, the traffic police salute us, and even the Sindh police are proud of what we’re doing. It feels amazing to be recognized for our hard work.”
Empowering Women, One Ride at a Time
For Irum Jatt and Shereen Shah, the job is not just about driving an ambulance—it’s about proving to themselves and to others that women can succeed in any field, no matter how unconventional. “It’s so fulfilling to know that we are helping people in critical situations,” says Shah. “A few years ago, women in this city rarely even left their homes. But today, we are driving ambulances, and that’s a huge achievement. It’s a matter of pride for me and for all the women in Sanghar.”
Their work goes beyond just providing emergency medical services. It serves as a powerful symbol of empowerment in a region where women’s roles are often confined to the household. With every ride, Jatt and Shah are not only saving lives but also changing the future for women in Sindh. By stepping into roles traditionally dominated by men, they are showing young girls in their communities that they, too, can pursue any career they set their sights on.
“I hope that one day, women won’t have to prove themselves just to do what they love,” says Irum Jatt. “I want young girls to know that they can do anything. There’s no limit to what women can achieve.”
Their story has inspired many, and as their journey continues, it marks a significant shift in the narrative around women’s rights and gender roles in rural Pakistan. These two young women have not only broken the mold in their own lives but have also opened doors for future generations of women to follow in their footsteps.
A Symbol of Change
The impact of Irum Jatt and Shereen Shah’s work goes far beyond their individual achievements. Their success serves as a beacon of hope for other women in Sindh and across Pakistan, where societal norms often limit women’s opportunities. As more women like Irum and Shereen take on roles traditionally dominated by men, the landscape is slowly shifting, and the dream of a more inclusive and equitable society is becoming a reality.
Their courage and determination are not only transforming lives on the road but are also reshaping the future of Sindh, one ambulance ride at a time.
