The story of Zara Naeem Dar, a Pakistani student who cracked the international ACCA exam is truly inspirational. The article says “She stunned the world by scoring highest marks in the competition, which was represented by 527,000 students from nearly 179 countries.” (“Queen of numbers: She figured them out before all else, world left impressed,” Feb. 26, Gulf Today).

This is truly a stellar achievement. To be the top of more than half a million people from all over the world, some of whom have better access to resources, adds to Zara’s success.

Zara comes from Pakistan, a country the world looks down upon for several reasons, some of them being just because it’s a country in Asia. It is noteworthy that Zara has broken many stereotypes, one of them being that Pakistan’s girls too have brains along with beauty.

Geography isn’t a limitation when one’s will and determination are the beacon, alongside resources to allow growth. Neither is gender a limitation despite this being the traditional way of thinking in many Asian countries.

In an era that is rife with right wing feminism, Zara rightfully credits her father for her success. It shows that behind a woman’s success there can also be a man.

Hemangi Shanvi — By email