Here’s why the women march

They demand end to violence and harassment, equality, justice and rights

KARACHI: Azadi jo hum mangte, Azadi hai pehchaan ki [Freedom that we demand is the freedom of identity]

Azadi jo hum cheehnte, Azadi hai pehchaan ki [Freedom that we seize is the freedom of identity]

These were the words that echoed in Karachi Press Club's (KPC's) surroundings on Tuesday evening as women from different walks of life and organisers of the upcoming Aurat March geared up for the big day March 8.

As a group united under the umbrella of Aurat March, they appeared resilient, resolute and unstoppable. They demanded an end to the deeply-rooted patriarchy in the country and were determined and clear in their stance to free countless women from its shackles. They called for equality, liberty and women being given their rights.

With Aurat March just round the corner, this group of women and activists was motivated and brimming with enthusiasm, all set to raise their voice for their rights, following the footsteps of role models like Sabeen Mehmood and Asma Jahangir- both of whom devoted their lives to fight for women and marginalised communities. Their commitment was evident by them shouting slogans like 'Asma, tera mission adhura, hum sab mil ke karein ge pura' [Asma, we will complete your incomplete mission].

The air was filled with energy and fervour. A new chapter was to be written in the book of a long-standing struggle.

This was despite the criticism and online contempt directed at the annually held Aurat March by some segments. However, the criticism and the hatred failed to deter those looking forward to it, as they vowed to continue to not just highlight the plight of the country's women but also celebrate women and their achievements.

Ho ke rahe ga aurat march [Aurat March will take place], they would shout in unison, leaving no doubts in anyone's mind that they could be prevented from doing so.

What do they want?

This year, Aurat March organisers in Karachi have put forward a nine-point agenda seeking justice and equality for women in different spheres.

End to violence, sexual harassment

With women, transgender persons and non-binary persons being most vulnerable to harassment and violence, the upcoming Aurat March demands a free, inclusive and tolerant environment for them. It calls for providing them greater access to public spaces without the fear of getting catcalled, touched and harassed. The ability to walk on streets, drive, work and protest without being molested is what the emphasis on.

According to the National Commission on the Status of Women, 50% of the women the commission interviewed from the public sector faced sexual harassment. This alarming number stressed the need to raise awareness about the issue and address them.

Economic justice

Organisers and participants of the upcoming Aurat March aspire to highlight the importance of women and their participation in the economic sector. They point out that inflation and other economic challenges in the country have a "disproportionate impact" on women, saying that homemakers too have a positive role to play as they have a better understanding of the problem.

"Women's contribution in the economy is greatly undermined and there is a need to work in that regard especially in understanding women homemakers' role," said journalist Afshan Subohi at KPC on Tuesday. Subohi bemoaned that only 30 per cent of women, including homemakers contributed to Pakistan's GDP.

Reproductive rights

With a worrisome mortality rate and increasing women health issues, particularly in rural areas, Aurat March is calling for greater control of women over their bodies and decisions pertaining to health. "A woman dies every 37 minutes in the country," says Shama Dossa, a university professor, who attended the gathering on Tuesday. "Pakistan's maternal mortality rate is 276 which is a matter of extreme shame," she adds, reflecting on the dire state of female health in Pakistan.

Environmental justice

Urging for greater attention towards environmental challenges and global warming, the movement is calling for sustainable steps to preserve the environment, protect the mangroves and other ecosystems, plant more trees and control the rising temperature. Pakistan continues to rank among countries worst affected by climate. The urgency to tackle the challenge has increased with the worldwide emphasis on climate change movements.

Right to the city

Aurat March is also demanding an end to anti-encroachment drives, which many deem are also anti-poor. The enforced displacement of families and not being given the right to make it to the courts is what the Aurat March partakers say is unjust and has greater implications for women and children. "It is a women's issue, it impacts them deeply," says lawyer and activist Abira Ashfaq. "A female is connected with her home, carries out its domestic chores and all her social networks are connected with her community," she adds, implying that there are far greater consequences for women when their homes are demolished and therefore, efforts are needed to address their misery.

Minority rights

Safeguarding the rights of minorities and putting an end to forceful conversions of minor girls is one of the key demands of the Aurat March. Rights activists, through Aurat March, are demanding the formation of an impartial commission to protect the communities that are vulnerable to mob violence and unable to defend themselves.

Women in politics

Women on March 8 are also mobilising for having a greater, more influential voice in the political process on federal and provincial levels. Globally, women representation in national parliaments has increased over the last two decades. However, more steps need to be taken in this regard as they continue to face resistance and discrimination and are judged for how they look and dress. While their ideas remain unheard, maintain Aurat March enthusiasts.

End to sexism

The marchers are standing against misogyny and sexism that perceive women as inferior beings and stereotype them. They are mobilising against gender segregation and gender bias. Sexist remarks directed at women at workplaces and in public spaces is what they are standing up against.

Rights for differently-abled

Terming Aurat March is not just a movement for women and their rights but a consolidated voice for all the vulnerable, deprived sections of society. This year, women and activists are also calling for greater opportunities and facilities for differently-abled people.

The march organisers say that there are laws for safeguarding the rights of differently-abled persons but they have not been fully implemented due to lack of resources and interests of relevant authorities. This restricts differently-abled persons from exercising their social and political rights, they claim.

What does the future hold?

Presented with a myriad of challenges and opposing, misogynistic mindsets to battle with, the journey to empowering women will not be an easy one. But the marchers are optimistic. Talking about the future of feminist movements, women and the general public perception of them, Ilma Zuberi, one of the organisers, said things were changing for the better.

"I feel, there has been a significant push in changing mindsets with these movements gaining momentum," she said, adding that various communities were joining the cause which was a positive sign.

Discussing the backlash and the uproar a few Aurat March posters and slogans created, she said they have initiated a comprehensive campaign to clear the misconceptions and shed light on issues that actually matter. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2020.