On 8th March (Women’s Day), demonstrations are held in various cities of Pakistan called as Aurat March or Women march. The purpose of this annually held march is focused on paving a peaceful path towards a better future for women. Women, men and transgender take part in it. This march faces a lot of critique, criticism and strong opposition from right wing, conservatives and religious parties. The primary reason for this march is to highlight the socio-economic evils women bear in Pakistan. Sexual harassment, work place harassment, discrimination, absence of fundamental rights, domestic abuse, forced conversions, honor killing, rape, forced marriages, etc.
Since the beginning, Pakistan has seen many remarkable women who contributed greatly towards. Fatimah Jinnah and Begum Rana Liaqat Ali Khan are two such giants.
Quaid e Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said that a country cannot progress if women do not walk side by side by men. The mother of Pakistan, Fatimah Jinnah was the first women of Pakistan to be politically active. Begum Liaqat Ali Khan’s contribution can never be undermined. During Ayyub Khan’s era, Muslim family law was established, a standard nikkah-nama was made to ensure women’s rights in a marriage. Marriage age was shifted from 14 to 16 at that time.
During the era of democracy, PPP gave the more recognition to women and their participation in political and economic areas increased. Women started to be more involved in sports, music, arts, theatre, offices and posts of higher ranks were given to deserving women. Authors like Bano Qudsia can be seen during this time. 1973 constitution guaranteed more rights for women.
Times were changing in the late 1960s and 1970s, the women around the globe were standing against sexism, oppression and discrimination. While in Pakistan women suffered a great set back when a sexist regime came with the rule of Gen Zia-Ul-Haq. It is considered to be the dark ages for women and minorities of Pakistan. Women were oppressed, abused, tortured and degraded while manipulating the religion. Hudood ordinance was passed to legally make women’s life miserable. Even driving of women was discouraged. However, during the rule of next military dictator the situation of women and their status got considerably better.
Current condition women in Pakistan is quite pathetic miserable. They face discrimination from dinner table to office desk. Cultural practices such as marrying underage girls to considerably elder men and even old men are still practiced at large. The women and also the men who are enlightened enough to see and have the guts to speak against these practices are disliked by the masses.
Last year a woman was raped on motorway while her children were beside her. She was with a male companion and dressed modestly yet nothing was able to stop it and the world the police officials gave hurtful and insensitive statements on the incident. Recently a woman was tortured to death by her in laws for giving birth to a third daughter. Women are belittled and abused on social and electronic media daily. Marvi Sirmed, a journalist was body shamed by Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar, a famous author, live on television for saying “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” or “my body my choice” while the country’s majority supported Mr. Qamar and celebrated his ideas.
The biggest concern for everyone is the agenda that Aurat March is supporting and majority of Pakistani are against it. It is labelled as western agenda, anti-Islam, Yahoodi saazish and anti-Pakistan however the core of the problem is people against the agenda haven’t even read the charter of demand. Most of the time when a common person is asked about Aurat March he only thing that comes in their mind is “Fahaashi” or “immodesty”. Many refuse to believe that there is anything wrong with the Pakistani society. The blame of rape and harassment is put upon women often and remarks like “it takes two to tango” are made which harms their mental health more. Women are made to believe their worth would be according to what they wear. They would be respected and appreciated on the basis of their clothing and not their achievements and talent.
A major problem of patriarchal societies is internalized misogyny. The women are the biggest opponent of liberation and freedom of women. The cultural and religious teachings they get incorporate in their minds that women who asks for her rights and stands up for herself is not a good woman. Mostly women are directly or indirectly involved in atrocities and brutalities against women. Mostly are inside and play only personal life roles and not focus upon career or education. This all doesn’t stop here but they resent women who work. The sexual apartheid that is going on is not even recognized and accepted by many let alone taking measures to stop it. Men who support women, their liberation and freedom are seen negatively by the society. Those who stand up and challenge these patriarchal ways have to face a lot.
Transgender issues are also raised in this march. They have been marginalized and ignored by the society for a long time. They are considered as untouchables and their life is often limited to be sex workers after being thrown out of their homes at very young age.
The point of criticism is acceptable but the people opposing this use force and man handle the situation for example last year in Islamabad the religious parties pelleted the peaceful protestors for practicing the basic right which the constitution gives them, which resulted in many of the protestors being injured and unconscious. There may be some people or parties included in Aurat march that people don’t like but nullifying the whole movement is simply wrong. Some banners got quite controversial for being bold and not following the social norms but most of them ended up being fake when the organizers showed the real pictures which were edited.
Women around the globe are fighting for their rights. Like any other country Pakistan is also seeing women rising for their rights. The demands are very fundamental and basic which every sane mind would support once they actually get to know what they are. Change requires a long time and a lot of efforts people of Pakistan should also first clearly understand the stance of women and then make a choice and give comments.