I Should Have Honor: A Memoir of Hope and Pride in Pakistan

"Izzat mare, pen mare te maf" is a saying in Khalida Brohi's Pakistani tribe, translating as "Even if I have nothing, I should have honor." Born in a small village, Brohi understood the concept of honor was tied to her father. As his eldest daughter, she was the one who could dishonor him the most. Brohi's father, however, was exceptional. Rather than ascribing to centuries-old customs keeping women unempowered, he told her she would dishonor him the day she failed to bring home good grades. This freedom ("my father took the biggest weight from my shoulders and in its place attached two wings") and how it helped forge Brohi's life is the subject of I Should Have Honor.
 
Brohi's cousin was the victim of an honor killing at the age of 14. Brohi, herself just 16, was forever changed. Convinced education meant power, she began protesting and speaking out to local women. Facing resistance and threats, Brohi changed tack and formed the Sughar Empowerment Society, a nonprofit that helps women learn skills and earn income selling traditional embroidered products to the fashion industry.
 
Through Sughar, Brohi also educates women about gender equality and domestic violence, and her work has been recognized worldwide. Writing in natural, unadorned prose, Brohi captures the reader with her passion and indefatigability. Brohi's success, earned despite entrenched cultural obstacles ("Daughters are a blessing from God, but they are a tough gift to cherish. Everyone wants a piece of them. Always."), is a lesson in perseverance and familial courage. --Lauren O'Brien of Malcolm Avenue Review
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