As philanthropist Bilquis Edhi passed away, many paid tribute to the globally acclaimed woman. This includes Senior Privacy and Compliance Analyst at Nike, Rabia Bibi Osman.
The young woman, who is one of many children that Bilquis Edhi saved, shared her inspirational story of how the philanthropist changed her life.
“Twenty-eight years ago I was abandoned in a baby carriage at the Edhi Orphanage located in Karachi, Pakistan. You found me, you named me after your mother Rabia Bano, you forged my identity, then you gave me a home. Because of you today…I am a somebody, I have an identity, and I have loving parents to call my own,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Her life story really highlights the impact of the contributions by the wife of the late Abdul Sattar Edhi.
“Because of you, a little Pakistani girl orphaned at birth dared to dream. Because of you, I am an independent woman with graduate-level education and a place in the world to call my own. You gave me an opportunity. You awarded me a chance to dream, and you presented me with freedom.”
Rabia thanked the philanthropist for all she did to enable her to become the successful woman she is today.
“I want you to know who she was to me, and to all of Pakistan. Bilquis Edhi was a hero, she was a mother to so many orphans (like me) and a powerhouse for humanity. Losing Bare Abbu (Abdul Sattar Edhi) was tough, but your loss has made me feel orphaned again today… My name is Rabia Bibi Osman, and I will forever be a proud Edhi baby.”
She studied in college on scholarships and had the opportunity to intern at the New York State Assembly, Bronx District Attorney’s Office, U.S Congress, and U.S Senate. She pursued her Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Law. Now she’s a Senior Privacy and Compliance Analyst for Nike.
Rabia Bano also admired the late Bilquis Edhi’s activism for women’s rights.
