ISLAMABAD (APP) The social status of the first elected woman prime minister of the Muslim World, Benazir Bhutto, was not only an eye-opener for the whole Ummah but also encouraged rural women to stand for their due rights in the society. Bhuttos vision for empowered women echoed the advocacy of womens rights in developing countries to repair the torn parts of social fabric, said Syeda Fiza Batool Gilani, Goodwill Ambassador for Women Empowerment in an interview with APP on the occasion of upcoming death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on December 27. The first feminist leader of such a high calibre, Bhutto still rules the hearts of women, especially the rural ones who take her as an inspiration for their bright future and serving their nation in a progressive way, she said. From health issues to education and training, the late leader tried to maintain balance between the gender equity and her party (Pakistan Peoples Party) is now following her visions by appointing women at high-level positions and starting various programmes for marginalized women, Fiza said. She said throughout her presence in political scenes, whether she was heading the government or not, Benazir Bhutto consistently promoted a holistic approach to address the needs of women by emphasising their empowerment. Benazir Bhutto called on the world leaders to focus on health issues of women, advocated the protection of women from domestic violence and emphasized the need for education of girls and women with the ability to work as independent human being, she added. Fiza said the rural women consider the image of Benazir Bhutto as a brave women rights champion who gave them voice to stand for their due social rights. Democracy means empowerment and it refers to the restoration and protection of the rights of all segments of society, including women and minorities, Fiza Gillani said, adding, In both rural and urban areas and across the provinces, lack of equal opportunities for women has been identified as one of the core issues in the development process. It was during her tenure that pro-women initiatives such as establishment of First Women Bank, women police stations and lady health workers were taken to bring about qualitative change in the lives of women, she added. Fiza quoted BBs vision, May be its stereotypical, but I think that women leaders are more nurturing and sensitive to the social needs of society. Invariably, womens rights lead to further modernization of society as educational, housing and health needs are finally met.