Pakistani women across the country take part in Aurat March held every year on International Women’s Day. The idea is to protest the country’s patriarchal norms that make it difficult for women and marginalized communities to take up the same space as men. The issues over the years that drive people to march have been diverse.
Change in Venue
This year Aurat march took place in Karachi at Bagh-e-Jinnah instead of Frere Hall where it was organized since its inception. The security had a good number of police officers including (lady officers) guarding the entrance along with the boundary area of the ground.
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The Highlighted Issues
The issues in focus this year included ‘women labour’ (be it in factories, farms, home-based, street workers, domestic workers, or as artisans). It demanded better pay, working conditions, social security, protection and implementation for not just women but also the nonbinary, transmen and khwajasira people. Also, better policies and systems across the socio-economic levels for people suffering from mental health, gender minorities and older peoples were demanded. Rights across gender, race, ethnicity and religion were also on the list.
The Outclass Speeches
The speeches and performances held on stage became every one’s attention. To charge an already electrified crown the organizers shouted chants like ‘Sab ko yakza tahafuz do’ (Give everyone equal security), and the crowd echoed it back.
We saw Sara Gill (Pakistan’s first transgender doctor) making a speech about how the slogan ‘mera jism, meri marzi’ has been reflected in a negative light. She emphasized that it’s not just for women for all the men, children and Khawajasira. She requested to stop linking this line with sex and vulgarity.
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Equal Gender Ratio on Streets
Against Controlling Women
Protecting Baloch Women
Putting A Full Stop to Hate
For Mothers Whose Children Were Abducted
And ‘Equality’ Of Course
This is was indeed the strongest of all.
Women supporting women
Marching for Rights
‘Ladies First’ Always
The Right to Dress and Live Accordingly
Why Scare from Aurat march?
To be Free
Sexist Jokes, not Funny
Standing up
We can
One Way or Another
Tribute to Khalil-ur-Rehman
Politically Correct
Peechay Hut
We at Fashion Times Magazine salute all the brave women who participated in the Aurat marches held across the country.
