I was surprised to learn this. How about you?

Some quotes from a fascinating article about the (30 year old!) women's movement in Pakistan.  

"Despite the overwhelming media attention to the rise of fundamentalism and Pakistan's geopolitical role in the 'war against terror,' Pakistan has an often-unrevealed side, characterized by an active women's movement that serves as a key democratic force committed to expanding women's rights."

"People seldom hear about the activism of these women's groups.... But their work and resiliency, often in the face of resistance, harassment and safety threats, should be recognized as much as the elements of fundamentalism that have attracted international headlines."

"It's a movement that often surprises people who do not realize the pluralistic (nature of) Pakistani culture, one that exists with sometimes contradictory elements that include these strong advocates of women's rights, changing political climates and traditional patriarchal social orders that inhibit independence of women."

An inspiration, right?