Behind the slogans of the Aurat March

Women and men at the march highlight the meanings behind their statements

KARACHI: Amidst the controversy that has followed slogans for the Aurat March, men and women from different walks of life converged at the march to demand rights for those who have been marginalized at Frere Hall on Sunday. And yes, their slogans accompanied them prominently.

"You are not my daughter, you are my son," read a placard held by Bushra Munaf, an executive. For Munaf, this seemingly harmless compliment was in fact disturbing - she pointed out that it takes a dig at women, telling them that they are 'better' when they are able to take on the role of men. "It reinforces the stereotype that women are not brave.

Baqar Jafri, an IT professional, agreed. "This compliment only reinforces misogynistic stereotypes. Women should be appreciated for who they are."

Humaima Ghaus, a commerce student, held up a poster saying, "Found your ugly thoughts biting the dust." Explaining the thought behind the sentiment, she said she was upset at the interpretations about the Aurat March, adding that society labeled women who asked for their rights as 'prostitutes.'

"Women are judged for everything - they are judged when they are out for work, when they socialise and even for their choice of clothes," she pointed out.

The slogan 'mera jism, meri marzi' (my body, my choice), which has been the target of much disapproval, too made a reappearance at this year's iteration of the march. Sophia Hasnain, holding one of the many posters proclaiming this, asserted that the slogan meant that women had the right over their own bodies and can refuse physical intimacy when they want. "No one has the right to force themselves onto us," she insisted.

Actor Mohsin Ahmed said that the aforementioned slogan had been misused by those who wished to divert attention and reduce the impact of the women's protest by misinterpreting and publicising its false meaning.

Holding up a sign that read, "Justifying rape is 'jestifying' humanity," he maintained that no reasoning could ever justify rape. "If someone tries to legitimise it, they are mocking humanity," he said, adding that he had been part of the Aurat March in Lahore the past two years. "I come to protest the disturbing attitude of men towards women."

Fatima Farooqui held up a placard that turned several heads. "Are the demons that descend after Maghrib men?" it asked. The student explained that the thought was propelled by the unsafe environment that threatens women.

Safwan Subzwari, another marcher, was shocked when he first read her poster. When he thought about it, though, he realised it was true. "I am definitely worried about the safety of my wife when she goes out at night," he added.

Another young man, though, protested that the problem of insecurity was not gender-specific. "No one is safe at night," he insisted, adding that crime affected everyone equally and fear encompassed men too.

Meanwhile, Rahmat Kamal Ghangro, a Kashmiri woman, revealed that her placard, stating "Resist to exist," was in support of the women who have been subjected to violence and rape in Indian-occupied Kashmir. She asked for continued resistance against the Indian government and military, pointing out that bodily autonomy was a human right."

Saman Imtiaz, a corporate lawyer, on the other hand, said she joined the march because she was upset about the discourse around Aurat March. "Even privileged women are suffering from Stockholm syndrome," she maintained. "They have developed an alliance with the perpetrators of abuse, who have already built exit laws into religion."

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2020.