‘Everyone has the right to march regardless of gender’

State minister says harassment is not just physical, but mental as well

ISLAMABAD: On a day when the high court dismissed a petition against the Aura March planned for March 8 in the federal capital, a junior federal minister on Friday said that everyone has the right to stage a march.

“Everyone has the right to march, regardless of their gender, and one should avoid indulging in controversial debates,” stated Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul while addressing a seminar on “Each for Equal; International Women’s Day 2020”. The seminar had been organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here at Islamabad.

Commenting on the controversies raging around the upcoming Aurat March and other events planned for Women’s Day, observed on March 8, Gul clarified that there is no feud between men and women.

Instead, she urged members of both genders to raise their voices against antiquated and gender discriminatory practices such as forced marriages, Karo Kari (honour killing), absence of property rights, absence of adequate job opportunities, and lack of access to health and education facilities amongst other issues.

Dismissing the arguments of detractors, Gul said that it is good to celebrate at least one specific day in the year for women. However, she quickly added that every day is women’s day as women are an integral part of every single aspect of society.

“We (women) cannot simply be ignored or denied our role and contribution,” she said, adding that there is a need for people to learn to respect daughters, mothers, sisters and spouses all the while empowering them for the positive role they play for society.

Addressing the topic of harassment of women, the state minister said that harassment is not just physical and that there are many different forms.

In particular, she pointed to mental harassment which is far more widespread in our society with women’s opinion or their voices not given due respect.

Canadian High Commissioner Wendy Gilmour said that women should be provided equal access to opportunities to fulfil their ambitions alongside men and all the other genders in society.

She said women should be allowed to express their views safely and securely, with the government playing its role to ensure the provision of an enabling and safe environment for women to raise voices for their rights.

Gilmour further said that despite so many obstacles, women in Pakistan can be found working in almost every sector, especially in armed forces.

However, she said that a large number of women in Pakistan have limited access to work opportunities and even basic necessities such as health and education.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA)Romina Khurshid Alam said that despite many challenges, the perspective about women in Pakistan and abroad have changed as so many accomplished and powerful women have positively contributed to society.

Human Rights Ministry Transgender Rights Expert Aisha Mughal said that though the Transgender Protection Act, the longstanding issue of identity for people who are transgender was solved.

However, Mughal noted that Pakistan’s transgender community remains marginalised whilst facing issues of social acceptance and family acceptance.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2020.