In this picture taken on November 15, 2018, a Pakistani woman pumps water from a hand pump next to a toilet in Basti Ameerwala village in central Punjab province.

For as long as she can remember, Ayeesha Siddiqua has fought her male relatives for access to toilets — but a sanitation drive by new premier Imran Khan could make life easier for women in patriarchal Pakistan.

Pakistan Premierminister Imran Khan und Ehefrau Bushra Khan

As the world recently watched one of Pakistan’s most recognized faces, Imran Khan, taking oath as the nation’s 22^nd prime minister, it also saw a fully shrouded lady standing next to him holding a rosary in her hand. That was Bushra Khan, Imran Khan’s wife, who is now representing Pakistani women as their first lady.

In an interview with DW, Reham Khan, the former wife of Pakistani politician Imran Khan, talks about her upcoming book, sexual harassment of female politicians in Pakistan and her plans to return to the country.

What does it take for a woman in Pakistan to leave her house, take her children along and attend a political rally? I say, more than commitment. Apart from support from the men of her house, she needs to feel safe, among men, that is.