#AuratMarch2020: Celebrities use their influence for the greater good

We caught up with some at the #AuratMarch2020 to talk about how they interpret 'Mera Jism, Mera Marzi'

KARACHI: March 8, 2020 marks the International Women’s Day around the globe, but in Pakistan it also marks the single most polarising day of the year – the day of the Aurat March.

Despite unprecedented backlash from the far-right, women this year marched with even more fervor and what felt like renewed energy and gusto. In Karachi, several rallied to Frere Hall, making this year with its three layers of security, a human chain protecting the marchers and a bigger number of people marching than ever before, the biggest March in its history.

The air echoed with 'Mera Jism Meri Marz (My Body, My Choice)," the slogan that was also the theme for this year's Aurat March and became the subject of controversy before it. Other popular chants of the evening were "Transgender rights are human rights," and "Hum lekay rahengay, Azaadi (We will take our freedom at any cost)".

Among the people who made the effort to be a part of this year's protest were celebrities who showed up to use their influence for a bigger cause. Talking to The Express Tribune, they talked about why they were there and what Mera Jism Meri Marzi meant to them.

Here's what they had to say:

Adnan Malik

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

"You know, I was thinking earlier, why do I march? And it’s because I was brought up in a home that had very strong women – my mother worked, my sister works, they’ve made their own choices their whole life. They’ve also had men who have supported their choices but some don’t have that. I think the Aurat March is really about fixing an equilibrium and to reinstate that women are as human as their fellow men."

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

As far as Mera Jism, Meri Marzi is concerned, I think everyone has a right to their own selves. People are saying that it should be ‘meri zindagi, meri marzi’ but it’s really about the body. The body is how we inhabit ourselves in this world so everyone should have a right to do what they want with their bodies whether it’s women or men. Especially when sexual abuse is rampant and harassment is at a rise, everyone needs to be aware of their bodies. "

Mira Sethi 

PHOTO: YUMNA AFTAB

"I am marching against domestic violence and for equality," said the star. "I feel great when people shout ‘Mera jism, Meri marzi’ and I feel it should be even more unapologetic. It’s so exciting, so motivating and encouraging to see all the people here and I am glad that it's happening. Also, [Aurat March] is increasing and getting bigger every year."

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

Saqib Malik


"I am here because I feel that regardless of where it’s happening, I stand to believe in the rights of all women across Pakistan," the Baaji directed said unapologetically. "Regardless of class, city or age, I think more men need to come out and show solidarity because it’s not just a women’s cause, it’s an issue for all of us."

"As far as women chanting ‘mera jism, meri marzi,' is concerned, I feel it’s just like any man chanting the same. Zahir hai, aapka jism hai tou aapki hi marzi hogi (It’s obvious; it’s your body so it will be your choice)."

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

Bee Gul 

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

"I am marching against domestic violence and for equality. And I feel great when people shout ‘mera jism, meri marzi,' I feel it should be unapologetic. It’s so exciting, so motivating and encouraging to see all these people here and I am glad that it is happening, and also because it’s increasing and getting bigger every year."

Hajra Khan

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

"I'm marching for all the sportswomen in Pakistan. Especially being the captain of the Pakistan Football Team, we are looked down upon because it's a male dominated sport but I want everyone to know that football is female."

Other celebrities who were also present include:

Mahira Khan

The popular actor who schooled several on Twitter before the march about toning down the inciting slogans, carried the poster, "Mujhe bartari nahi, barabari chahiye. (I don't want superiority, I want equality)."



PHOTO: FILE

Hajra Yamin 

The Pinky Memsaab star was too engrossed in the march to speak, but she held her sigh with conviction and zeal while people screamed 'Azaadi' around Frere Hall.

PHOTO: SARAH PRICE

Iffat Omer, Angeline Malik, Samina Ahmed, Arjumand Rahim, Amena Khan and Angeline K Malik.



PHOTO:FILE

Osman Khalid Butt

PHOTO: TWITTER/OSMAN KHALID BUTT

"This International Women’s Day, and the day of the nationwide Aurat March, I have contributed to support the education of ten underprivileged girls for a year," shared the star actor on Twitter.

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