Karachi's Aurat March sets new precedent for change

First ever held Aurat March demands for freedom, equality and justice for all women

KARACHI: Thousands of women, men and transgender people gathered on Thursday to take part in the first ever Aurat March (Women's March) held in Karachi to rally against discrimination and acts of violence towards women and other gender minorities in Pakistan.

The event marked the global celebration of International Women's Day which is celebrated across the world to honour the daily struggles of women and pay tribute to their social, economic, cultural and political achievements.

Women rights activists carry placards campaigning for empowerment and rights - Photo Courtesy Hija Kamran

Women right's advocates came under the banner of ‘Hum Aurtein’ [a citizens led women's rights group] to demand change through protests, poetry and performances.

The Aurat March was able to assemble a diverse and inclusive gathering of demonstrators at Frere Hall, where women from all walks of life inclusing many from marginalised minority groups joined forces to demand more rights, an end to violence and support for equality.

Christian women demonstrators call for inclusion and religious tolerance - Photo Courtesy Aurat March

Here are some of the most incredible images selected to best showcase the diversity, energy and passion of the entire Aurat March (Women's March).

Campaigner holds placard which demands for more equality and less prejudice - Photo Courtesy Hija Kamran

Transwomen activists hold signs calling for acceptance of transwomen as women - Photo Courtesy Hija Kamran

Activist holds placard that pokes fun at gender issues being a social construct - Photo Courtesy Aurat March

 

Dalit Hindu activist participate at the Aurat March for more inclusion and diversity - Photo Courtesy Aurat March

Male campaigner shows solidarity with a sign calling for more men to embraceequality instead of fearing it - Photo Courtesy Hija Kamran

Campaigner wearing a Qandeel Baloch mask calls for consent to be respected and dissent to be nurtured - Photo Courtesy Hija March

 

Women activists challenge patriarchy with placards - Photo Courtesy Hija Kamran